Spring 2012

www.cavalierofinn.com

affordable contemporary art & design from the best british based artists & designer-makers

Come & see our next exhibition curated in our home-cum-gallery in South East London on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th of May 2012 or visit us at stand A9 at the Affordable Art Fair in Bristol from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th May 2012 re t
clic

click here for more details

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paintings | ceramics | sculpture | textiles | lighting | furniture

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In the past three months, while we have been putting together the content for this issue we have also been talking, listening and keeping our ears to the ground about the future of glossy magazines. We werent the first digital interiors publication and we certainly wont be the last but we can safely say that digital is the way forward. Were thrilled to bring you on this exciting journey so early on as we explore this new publishing format. For this issue we have again persuaded five of our readers to open up their homes and our generous contributors to share their many and varied talents to help us all move into the new season inspired and ready to fulfil the potential of your own little nest.

We will always promote British design by featuring up and coming, as well as more established home-grown designers and of course this year we have even more reason to be proud to be British. The pending royal jubilee and the Olympics mean that there is a plethora of patriotic products out there which we couldnt ignore. After all, after interiors and design, shopping is our next big love. We hope you enjoy!

Carole, Arianna and Daniel

Arianna Trapani
Editor-in-chief

Carole King
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Nelson
Art editor

Cover image: Photographer Andrew Boyd

Photographer John Deed

Homes
76 Designs for Life How one couples archive discovery changed their home and life 26 From Here to Modernity A live-work home with just a touch of midcentury vibe 94 Colourful Living A garden maisonette just bursting with colour 50 The House at Number 57 The stylish home of stylist Marie Nichols 110 Home is Where the Heart is Small but perfectly formed. The home of designer Catherine Hammerton

Features
36 Trends Barbara Chandlers refreshing forecast 13 Scandinavian Spring Get simply Nordic in the summer house 86 A Touch of Flock A glimpse of the life of furniture designer Johnny Egg 64 Pretty Florals or Striking Stripes a round up of the new seasons fabrics 70 A Splash of Spring Bring the outside in with pretty floral displays 118 Young Designer Nancy Staughan

Make and do
107 Easter Baking Orange and Pistachio Cake 120 Simple, Easy, Easter Decorations 126 How to make a Fabric Notebook

Home and Away

128 Tel Aviv Chedva Kleinhandler takes us on a tour of her beloved city 132 Cosy Cottages and Hidden Hideaways within our own shores

Shopping
43 Step into Spring looks to carry you through to Summer 142 Hidden Gems Boudoir Blush 68 The Look for all Budgets Scandi Style 40 Jubilant Jubilee Embrace all thing British in your home this anniversary year

Regular features
11 Stop press a last minute roundup of design news 136 The Great Date Guide Miss Marys suggestions for spring dates 104 Popartrockgirlyeah! Investigates grown up kitsch 106 Flowerona Looks at the latest floral finds for your home 124 Aspiring Kennedy A light hearted look at life by an American in London 138 Heart Home Diary What to see this spring

Interviews
60 Video interview with Rob Ryan 21 Selina Lake talks about her new book

Writers

PR & Advertising

Ellie Walker-Arnott

Liggy Griffiths

Victoria Dockrell

Claire Marie Slight

Photographers

Ally Mumm

Jon Day

Oliver Gordon

Andrew Boyd

Stylists

Elkie Brown

Marie Nichols

Jeska Hearne

Karl Openshaw

Vanessa Leigh-Anders

Columnists

Katie Treggiden

Rona Wheeldon

Lauren Bryan Knight

Helena del Rio

To all of the wonderful contributors that have helped to make Heart Home possible, we thank you...

Chedva Kleinhandler

Michaela Mildenhall

Katie Cotgrave

Barbara Chandler

Hannah Ricci

Sophie Warren- Smith

John Deed

James Balston

Paul Craig

Emma Gutteridge

Avishai Finkelstein

Mark Bolton

Designers

Helen OByrne

Roberto Banfi

Ellie Trerise

Tomasz Staszak

Clare Lane

Sarah Cotterell

Illustrators

Hannah Bullivant

Mary Higgs

Louise Gorrod

Joanne Fordham

Gemma Milly

wall coverings with a difference

Dreamwall is the UKs leading wall-covering specialists in Faux wall-covering solutions of Brick, Slate and Stone. The panels have also been very popular in the commercial market over the last 9 years, boasting high profile clients including Harrods, Next, River Island, Lee Jeans, Hackett to name just a few. 01472 750552 info@dreamwall.co.uk www.dreamwall.co.uk Read Hannahs popular blog DreamwallStyle at dreamwall1.wordpress.com

Read more

Stop press!
Furniture Painting Workshops
Louisa Blackmore, the founder of West Egg runs regular workshops on Furniture Painting in London and Dedham, Essex. These workshops are a fun and informal way of learning to use chalk paints, waxes and other materials required for furniture painting. There are 6 places available per workshop and are suitable for total beginners. Visit their website to book online.

The Homemade Home for Children

Designer and stylist Sania Pell, releases her second book The Homemade Home for Children in which she turns her attention to a younger audience, creating a collection of 50 contemporary, child-friendly projects for parents to make for their offspring. Full of innovate ideas Sanias unique approach is sure to inspire any parent to create something special for their child.

Love London joins John Lewis

Photographer Barbara Chandler published her book Love London before Christmas with 180 photos of the capital, teamed with over 100 quotes. But I wanted more people to see my photos than buy a book or visit a gallery, she said. So now there is a Love London range of tea towels, cushions, aprons, totes, and make-up bags and theyve gone into the London branches of John Lewis available from Easter.

Llustre Llaunches
April sees the launch of LLUSTRE an exciting members-only website featuring a curated selection of beautifully designed products for your home. Membership is free but offers a whole range of fantastic benefits. Exclusive limited edition pieces from designers available only to their members and up to 70% off the recommended retail price on pieces from designers existing ranges.

BlogTour NYC
Editors Arianna Trapani and Carole King are jetting off to NYC on 20th March as part of BlogTour. This is the brainchild of the lovely Veronika Miller founder of Modenus. The Tour involves bringing up to 15 bloggers to cities where they are immersed in the latest exhibitions that are taking place at the time of their visit.

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01425 626147 info@biancalorenne.co.uk www.biancalorenne.co.uk

Heart Shopping

SCANDINAVIAN SPRING

Photographer Jon Day Stylist Elkie Brown

With the huge success of Danish dramas such as The Killing and Borgen and last years amazing Oscar winner; In a Better World, its not just the woolly jumpers of Sarah Lund we want, its the beautiful Scandinavian interiors too. 13

Heart Shopping

Keep the colour pallet simple and light with whites, greys and blacks and use splashes of colour introduced with soft furnishings, candles and flowers. Mix old with new for a more eclectic look.

White linen tablecloths are beautiful draped long over a table. Pick up vintage linen sheets on eBay and from car boots and youll find they are much cheaper than new linen tablecloths.

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Ticking stripe fabrics are a very clean way to add pattern.

Dried hydrangeas are great to use any time of the year. Simply displayed in vases or bottles or tied together to create a welcoming garland. Use natural materials such as wood, linen, wool and cotton for an authentic Danish look.

Stockists

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Heart Shopping Cluster candle sticks, tea lights and flowers together on a decorative tray to create a stunning focal for your table. Mix tones and textures to create a truly stunning table. Experiment with mixing your white china with china in shades of grey. Make a statement with your glassware and use smokey tumblers. Use low hung lighting and candlelight for a more intimate feel.

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Mixing floral fabrics with black and white stripes creates a really fresh and modern look.

Stockists

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Heart Shopping Bring nature in, especially at this time of the year with twigs of blossom, Hyacinths from the garden and fragrant narcissi.

Napkins can be made out of any fabric you want. Tie with ribbon and add a stem or two of fresh flowers for a

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real spring welcome.

Grouping objects together, such as glass bottles and vases suddenly creates a stunning focal point on a sideboard or fireplace.

Stockists

Thank you so much to Patricia for the loan of her very lovely summerhouse and warm cups of tea.

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bluebellgray

www.bluebellgray.com

hello@bluebellgray.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)141 221 0724

hunkydoryhome.com
read more

Restored antique & vintage furniture and decorative home accessories.

Tel 0207 060 2975 Email info@westegg.co.uk www.westegg.co.uk

Heart Interviews

Homespun Style with Selina Lake

Top Stylist Selina Lake always knew she wanted to be a stylist from an early age. With an impressive career to date she now releases her third book, Homespun Style. Here she talks to us about her latest venture. By Arianna Trapani

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Showcasing inspiring homes from around the world; Homespun Style reflects the growing trend for crafting, stitching and making. A book that is full of ideas for every room in the house, its about creating a mis-matched, cosy home with loads of personality. An idea that Selina had been thinking about for quite sometime as she started to research homes with a hand-crafted feel. I think its quite relevant at the moment, with the current economic situation and so I wanted to produce a style of decorating which is easy to achieve and which supports craftspeople and makers. Plus Im a big fan of making my own cushions, up-cycling and buying second-hand The difference between this and her other books is that Homespun Style focuses on decorating with handmade pieces. However colour is still a prominent theme as well as decorating with affordability, all of my books have plenty of ideas for your home which are assessible as well as affordable with interesting ideas for colour schemes.

With a passion for designer makers and collecting vintage fabrics and china, Selina is one to have always admired the craftsmanship and quality of pieces. Also a big fan of Etsy her current favourites are Doris & C, Vicky Trainor Ninainvorm Homespun Style has just been released and it truly is a book that simulates Selina Lakes colourful creativeness. Selina will be hosting a Homespun Book event on Friday 13th April. See more details. and

Read the full interview on the Heart Home blog

selinalake.blogspot.com Homespun Style by Selina Lake Photography by Debi Treloar Published by Ryland Peters & Small

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 Its about creating a

mis-matched, cosy home with loads of personality

- Grace Bonney

From Homespun Style by Selina Lake, published by Ryland Peters & Small, photography by Debi Treloar

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Dear Easter Bunny

Editor Arianna Trapani chooses her Spring wishlist...
Navy Polka Dot Silk Scarf, Paul Smith Accessories
Liberty 90.00

MISSONI HOME Rose 50 Cushion

Selfridges 109

The Deer print by Missemai

Bodie & Fou 154

Bow Bridge Straw Quinn Bag

Kate Spade $318.00

Yves Saint Laurent Gold-plated Cuff

Net-a-porter 365

Silk Crepe Dancing Girls Sundress

Orla Kiely 300.00

Bird and Cake Side Plate, Mellor Ware

Liberty 18.50

The Easter Activity Hamper

Fortnum & Mason 55.00

Chlo Tri-tone Braided Raffia Ballet Flats

Net-a-porter 385

I Love Animals: Cillirose Lamp

Alessi 125

Pantone Espresso Cup

Amara Living 5.00 each

Heart Shopping

Editor Carole King chooses her Spring wishlist...

Liberty Print Sunglasses
120 Libertys

Bluebell 3-seater Sofa in Coral

1060 Sofa.com

Esteban Incense Sticks

4.95 John Lewis

Emily Saloon Chandelier

350 Graham and Green

Soft Safari Dress

190 Karen Millen

Stoneware Heart Plates

45 set of 3, The White Company

Vivienne Westwood Marc de Champagne Truffle Egg

Fortnum & Mason

Britannia large magnetic notebook

10 Paperchase

Pat Albeck Butterflies Tea towel Catherine Hammerton Cushion

60 Cavaliero Finn 10 Emma Bridgewater

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Heart Homes

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From Here to Modernity

Mid Century Modern rubs shoulders with independent contemporary design in the stunning South London home of cool Brit design duo, Mini Moderns.
Photographer Andrew Boyd Writer Michaela Mildenhall
Camberwell Beauty dubbed Psychedelic Edwardian

This striking house is situated in the busy creative hub of Camberwell, an area of London which has a starring role in the first print from the new Buddha of Suburbia collection. The Camberwell Beauty design is a beautiful butterfly composition (available exclusively from the Mini Modern Shop) which duo Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire have dubbed Psychedelic Edwardian. This design, along with many of their other designs, is used in their own interiors, creating a style throughout which appears seamless. Keith explains:

Everything we try to do, we aim to mix and match, even if we are using a different colour palette. So at the moment we have brand new wallpapers on the wall from the new collection, as well as designs such as Tick Tock from 4 or 5 years ago. This element of practicality is one of the trademarks of Mini Modern design, as well as a sense of playfulness and lots of vibrant pattern. The inspiration for their designs comes from a variety of places ..especially from our childhoods. A lot of our visual references are

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Heart Homes

Everything we try to do, we aim to mix and match

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Heart Homes

very close. It can be anything from 1950s textiles, or games we collector even TV shows. Mark interjects at this point, Were really interested in social history, and of course weve both watched a lot of telly! Mark Hampshire explains a bit about the history of how they came to buy the property; We originally set up Absolute Zero Degrees - our design agency - in Greenwich. We also rented a flat. Being a young business it is important not to

overstretch yourself in terms of overheads, so one of the key things for us was to buy a property that could encompass our business and our lives. When Keith and Mark were looking to buy a place about 8 years ago, affordability was a key factor, but there were other considerations that influenced the eventual choice of Camberwell, as Mark goes on to mention: We chose it because it was zone 2, had an Art and Design College pedigree, as well as lots of

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Were not furniture snobs

useful businesses for supplies etc. It also has a lot of artists, designers, photographers and ceramicists, all working together in the same area, which of course we liked. The eventual property they chose was a modern one (about 9 years old); the developers were quite enlightened with their foresight in building a property which could be manipulated for businesses purposes as well as for living. The financing though was something of a headache

as the mortgaging options were a bit backwards. Mark explains, There are 15 units in this area, so basically 15 mortgages! Luckily, being designers, the decoration of their new home was always going to be an altogether easier and much more enjoyable prospect. So what was the inspiration behind their style? Keith enlightens us: I suppose we are as eclectic in our tastes as what we produce. Were not furniture snobs, so if

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Heart Homes

the most useful solution is Ikea then we will use that; especially for inexpensive storage, which we need lots of. Keith goes on to add, having said that, we do have some trophy pieces! Mark further mentions, in terms of furniture its a mixture of Conran, Heals; that kind of thing. The sofa is a Robin Day re-issue from Habitat which we got the minute they re-issued it.the proportions are superb. The Mini Moderns love to travel and always make sure to bring home some extra special souvenirs from places such as New York or Sorrento.

They also like to pick up collectibles at the Mid Century Modern Fair and other such places. Its probably fair to say that you dont get to have as many unique bits and bobs about the home without acquiring some suitably impressive bartering skills. Keith and Mark attend numerous exhibitions and trade fairs, and have made some great swaps with like-minded stallholders such as People Will Always Need Plates and illustrator James Brown. Now thats definitely got to be one of the perks of the job! minimoderns.com

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The ground floor studio with mezzanine office is as artfully accessorised as the rest of the house.

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Heart Homes

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Style steal
Get the look from Mini Moderns
Salt And Pepper Set 8 hunkydory home Policeman & Guard Bizz Egg- Rice Brown & White cotton printed hanging lamp 49 from Gong Newgate Pluto Starburst Clock, 85 from Heals

Heart Shopping

Classic Penguin

675 chair by Robin Day, Furniture 175 from Case

Carry On Jeeves 9.99 from The Gifted Penguin

Tea Towel

Coffee Pot White Magnetic Notice Board, 135 from Beyond The Fridge

Set Of 4 Whitby Mini Moderns Plates 17.95 from hunkydory home 1970s Classic Retro Phone 48.95 from MyHaus

Robin Day for Hille Club

Chair 925 Firefly House

Retro Two Tone Mid Century 675 from Alexander & Pearl Bookcase With Drawers

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Heart Columns

Lazerians laser-cut folded paper lightshades

TRENDS
LOVE THEM OR HATE THEM
By Barbara Chandler. Design writer for the London Evening Standard, columnist for Homes & Gardens & Author of Love London.

yes, thats me, I know! A trend is such a tasty tag to use for an article, a display, or a shop window. And the forecasters those seer-like outfits which make money out of design predictions seem to pop up all over the place with ever odder names. Yet do we really buy because

m getting a little wary/weary of trends. There is an insatiable appetite for them, massaged up by exhibitions and the media

of trends? Sometimes we even buy despite them yearning for a sofa or rug that will transcend fashion to stand the test of time. Even as I write, I realise how boring this is starting to sound. Of course we have and need trends, otherwise every decade would look the same, and how drab would that be. Good bye pop, op, 50s, deco, nouveau and the rest, right back to Angloflaxen. But I do think the pace and

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breadth of trends is now quicker and broader. Interior ideas/ styles/colours fused with fashion flash instantly around the globe, peak and wither, fuelled by blogs and video and Lorna Syson, Bradbury Worcesterberry print yes, internet mags. But really it doesnt matter if something dates: it just shows how much you loved it at the time, and how much you are loving it now.

Linking mirror by Dwell

ABSTRACT
Frankly, Im sick of hearing about/seeing retro, vintage and even heritage. Maybe I am just too old, since I can remember (some of) it first time round. (But NDY Not Dead Yet). I want new shapes, materials and patterns for our new millennium. Theres now a genuine computer aesthetic which can be thrilling designs worked out on the computer (often from sketches) and then perhaps made by computer processes like 3D printing or complex CAD controlled machines. I like the new asymmetric/geometric shapes for furniture, rugs, ceramics and glass, echoed in linear fabrics and papers. And these designs are very mixable you can easily throw in a few florals or those endless country motifs (foxes, owls et al, the forest is upon us, see below). I like Lazerians laser-cut folded paper lightshades. And patterns by Morag Myerscough. And Lorna Sysons fabrics (though these have been billed as retro). I love the Menhir rug by Barcelona design duo Damaris & Marc for Ligne Roset. Even our own High Street Dwell is doing a great mirror.

COUNTRY MATTERS
Well, yes, lots of pattern is currently a country breeze for rugs, walls, cushions, curtains and china, with drifting leaves amidst and the meadow flowers. Here flit butterflies cow-parsley, cutesy little birds hover aloft, and bunnies owls. At bound, best, with these timid deer and brooding

designs open a window of fresh air into dull city rooms. At worst, they are trite and clichd, and you could tire of them quickly. Personally I like the moodier darker versions, being sick of all those girly pouting pastels elsewhere so lauded. Sandersons newest wallpaper gives leaf motifs a sophisticated abstract twist. And Andrew Tanners adorable china plate has a nest of eggs watched over by a broody finch in surreal tones of mauve and turquoise.

Andrew Tanner, English Hedgerow interactive plate

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Heart Columns

NEW BLOOD
I love the way designers get their act together so quickly now, turning ideas into products, and getting them onto market when they have barely left college. Of course, many have done a couple of extra years as an M.A (at say the R.C.A or St Martins), which gives them more experience than new-grads. And many designers Ive met recently (particularly in textiles, for some reason) are mature students with teenage children whove fought to get back to college. These newbies find new places to sell on the web, pop-up shops, even markets (for example Design Bazaar). But the overall result is confident edgy design, that comes quickly to market. Kirath Ghundoo is a relatively new-grad up and running with her Mix n Match collection of wallpaper - seven striking patterns for an eclectic (now theres one of the biggest trends for you) feature wall. Other names of note are Deryn Relph and Colleen Ellington. And watch out for a whole clutch more at One Year On at New Designers in June/July at the Islington Business Design Centre. Deryn Relph, Retro Rainbow collection

Naomi Paul, Albers Cushion Collection

ART ATTACK
Art is almost mainstream now, with huge queues for the big shows, which get booked solid in advance. And art has been making an impact on design which will certainly continue. Ive seen a headboard influenced by Mondrian and Sonya Winner actually calls her fabulous rugs After Matisse, and they do indeed look like giant paper cut-outs. She works with shapes in tissue paper because the computer is too flat. The final design - 26 colours in five pile heights - is hand-tufted in wool in India. Paul Kelleys nests of tables resemble the geometric paintings of coloured squares by Josef Albers, an artist who studied and then taught at the Bauhaus School in Germany. Hes also inspired a range of cushions by Naomi Paul. Sonya Winner, After Matisse Rug

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Wallpaper Direct, London Life Collection

RIGHT ROYAL
Stuff to celebrate the Queens June Diamond Jubilee in general, and London in particular is flooding the market. Were getting a bit sick of it. But intrinsically charming are the designs drawn by artists or designers and then turned into product. Like Lizzie Allen at Habitat, the Street Party range by Michelle Mason at House of Fraser, and fab stamp designs by Zara Siddiqui-Lester of The Colour Union. I also like the delicacy of London Life at Wallpaper Direct. But for the real thing you cannot beat The Royal Collection of fabrics and wallpapers by Designers Guild. Michelle Mason, Street Party Range at House of Fraser

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Heart Style

Jubilant Jubilee
Whether you go for regal shades of purple or go bold and brash with red white and blue - this year is all about embracing all things British in your home.
By Vanessa Leigh-Anders

God Save the Queen print, 112.50 from Pedlars

Pips Jolly Jelly Mould, 14.99 from Hope and Greenwood

Flo-Jos Bunting Making Kit, 17.95 from Liberty

Changing Guards at Buckingham Palace wallpape, 189 per 3m roll from Lizzie Allen Corgi and Flag Hanky Box, 15.50 from Thornback and Peel

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Jubilee Bee cushion, 70 from Natural History Queen Button Art Print, 270 from Hello Geronimo

Queen Elizabeth tea towel, 12.99 from hunkydory home

Queen with Bunting & Queen at Windsor, 8 from Msmugs Queen Print from Vintage Stamp Collection, 40 from Annie Little Set of 3 Union Jack Trunks, 99 from John Lewis

Stratos Soldier Wall Stickers, 95 from Bambizi

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Heart Style

Royal Collection Jubilee Crown cushion, 75 from Designers Guild at John Lewis

Cushions, 94 each from Jan Constantine

Stamp Mirror, 120 from Alex Garnett

Little London Sewing Kit, 12.75 from hunkydory home

Diamond Jubilee Stamp rug, 765 from stamprugs

Hooray Ice-Cream tea towel, 9 from Mr PS

Regency Nesting Cake Tins, 14.99 for 3 from The Contemporary Home

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Pearly Shirely and Pearly Stanley Prints, by Lucie Sheridan, 125 from A little bit of Art

Heart Fashion

Fashion expert Helena del Rio leads us in the right direction with this seasons key looks.

Illustrations Joanne Fordham Fashion Helena del Rio

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Heart Fashion

Neons & Boyfriends

Mih jeans London Boy cropped low-rise jeans 195 from net-a-porter

Necklace spikethepunch from Etsy ACNE jade crop cable knit 220 from mywardrobe

Velvety Red with White Index watch, 165 from Toy Watch Christian Louboutin Yolanda 100 patent-leather pumps 495 from net-a-porter

Whistles Marriane Satchel, 195 from ASOS

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The Peplum
Pot Gloss $19 from Face Stockolm

lemon round oversize sunglasses 22.00 from TopShop

7 For All Mankind The Skinny mid-rise jeans 180 from net-a-porter

Blouse 14.99 from H&M

Crystal Stretch Cuff $30 from BaubleBar

Lia midheel sandals 195.23 from J Crew

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Heart Fashion

Tangerine
Gardenia eau de toilette $60 from Calypso St. Barth Monica Vinader Fiji Gem 18-karat rose goldvermeil bracelet 195 from net-a-porter

Mirage Necklace $152 from Juliet and Company

Drawstring wool dress 350 from net-a-porter

New Bond Street Florence, $448 from Kate Spade

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Camel Suede Ankle Boot 145 from Ash Footwear

The Roaring 1920s

Jimmy Choo Tema crystal-embellished satin and suede sandals 795 from net-a-porter Lipstick 13.50 from MAC

Eau dHadrien Eau de Toilette 50 for 50ml from Amazon

Temperley London Fringed silk dress 1,250 from net-a-porter

I Kissed A Frog multi clutch $328 from Kate Spade

Lace set of three 18-karat gold-vermeil stacking rings 330, Monica Vinader from net-a-porter

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Heart Fashion

Boys
Chanel Allure Homme dition Blanche Eau de Toilette Concentre Spray 100ml, 62 from Selfridges

Tortoiseshell Classic 2140 Wayfarers 120 from mywardobe

MCQ Alexander McQueen cotton-twill chinos 160 from Mr Porter

Vanguard Crew Jumper 95 from All Saints Ridge Boot 125 from All Saints Leather-bound organiser 245 from Mr Porter

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Dear Easter Bunny

Editor Daniel Nelson chooses his Spring wishlist...
Matthew Hilton for Case Profile Dining Chair
John Lewis 199

Heart Shopping

Leather Laptop Cover in Tan with Brass Button

OEN100.00

Hove cushion
habitat 12.00

Fair Isle Crew Jumper

YMC 90

Vitra Utensilo Red

Heals 204.00 - 253.00

Decorated Milk Chocolate Egg

37.50 Fortnum & Maison

Handcrafted Squirrel Lamp

Couverture & The Garbstore 49

Snoopy Light by Achille and Pier Castiglioni

Haus London 595.00

Moritz Side Table

Made 99

Oscar Armchair by SCP

Moleta Munro 2,350.00

Black Sherlock Holmes Print Premium Umbrella

Liberty 150.00

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Heart Homes

The House at Number 57

Photographer Andrew Boyd Stylist Marie Nichols Writer Liggy Griffiths

You either have or havent got style and Marie Nichols has it in spades; the Stylist shares her journey through setting up her dream home, making it in the industry and how a trip to Australia influenced her signature style. But what next for someone who has already achieved so many ambitions?

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Heart Homes

arie bought her terrace house in Tunbridge Wells six years ago

with her husband Simon, a graphic designer who she met at Art College. They live with their miniature Dachshund, Dudley. As soon as we saw it, we knew it was right for us she said. As first time buyers they had taken on quite a challenge with a property that was deemed uninhabitable, it also took them a year to complete the purchase. None of this deterred Marie; I had already planned what I was going to do in every room and was so excited. Marie studied photography,

but having decided this was not for her, she got her break when a magazine offered her work experience in their Homes Department and thats how I discovered styling she smiles.

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As soon as we saw it, we knew it was right for us!

Heart Homes

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You see so many new things all the time, thats why a lot of stylists houses are white. I could ever be that as I love colour and pattern too much

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Heart Homes Despite being nervous about her decision, work came flooding in and she and Simon ended up staying for 14 months, only returning when their visas ran out. Sydney has evidently left its mark on the stylist, my personal style has changed since being there; I would always go for an older property, but now I quite like chalet style bungalows, but done in a more modern way. Since returning to her home town of Tunbridge Wells, Marie has been busier than ever, a constant reminder that she made the right decision to pursue her dream of going freelance. Looking at Maries house it is evident that she has a signature style. She reluctantly describes herself as eclectic wary of the clich; however it is clear she is anything but. Her home is a beautiful balance of fresh colour, warm patterns and carefully selected vintage pieces. I love old stuff! she says, I could never have a room totally out of a brochure because I love mixing things, and I think Ive learnt that with this house. I tend to start with one piece that I think; Ive got to have that she says. When youre in this industry you see so many new things all the time, thats why a lot of stylists houses are white and really neutral. I dont think I could ever be that as I love colour and pattern too much. After six years working as a Deputy Stylist at an interiors magazine, Marie made the bold decision to move to Sydney and work as a freelancer. They have such great magazines out there, Id read them and think- this is what I want to be doing.

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I dont think I could ever have a room totally out of a brochure because I love mixing things, and I think Ive learnt that with this house.

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Heart Homes

I think decorating in a room should evolve and your style changes

So whats next for someone who has achieved their dream of setting up the perfect home and embarking on a career change so successfully? Well if youre Marie, you chase new ones. Despite her recent affair with more modern design, she is rekindling her love of vintage and setting up an on-line shop selling re-purposed home ware with the help of her husband. The couple evidently work well together, Simon has recently given up time to design the website and hopes to get more involved as the venture progresses. Luckily for Marie, he is also happy to give up a Saturday to scour markets searching for hidden treasure (which he is clearly not bad at either). Their collection of gems for sale include quirky Australian ceramics, vintage flash cards and Union Jack flags (picked by Simon) made into cushions by Maries Mum who, incidentally, is a Seamstress. Could this be another dream come true for Marie perhaps? www.theshopatnumber57.com wholelottalovely.wordpress.com

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Bronze Chandelier, 275 from Alexander & Pearl

Bethany 8 Arm French

Heart Shopping

Style steal

Get the look from Maries home

Antiqued Wood And Metal Roulette Clock, 36 from Artisanti Gatsby Leather Armchair, 610 from Darlings of Chelsea

Festival Chair Hot Pink, 95 from Berry Red

Beaucoup Chest Of Drawers, 925 from Sweetpea & Willow

Arthouse Red Butterflies Arhouse

Filled Frame, 9.99 from

Willow Heart, 12.95 from Nordic House

Paris Vintage Desk Clock, 37 from JasmineWay

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Heart Interviews

Writer Daniel Nelson Portrait photograph Gene Nocon

Rob Ryan

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 I like telling stories

Rob Ryan may have worked for clients such as Vogue and Elle but he still finds time to work on what he loves, creating cut paper art. We explore the wonderful, romantic world of Cyprus-born Rob Ryan.

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Play video

Born in 1962, Rob Ryan began as a painter in 1987 after graduating from the Royal College of Art in London. I never really painted much in the first place, Rob says. I painted words. It was a very graphic form of painting. In 2002 he began to work principally with paper-cutting although he still views himself as a fine artist. Years later his intricate papercuts have taken the world by storm and collaborations with Paul Smith, Fortnum and Mason and Vogue along

with a plethora of other companies jumping to work with him. His work lends itself to screenprinting which has allowed work to appear on ceramics to fabrics opening up a wider world of people who can enjoy his romantic and intriguing world. One year I did the Christmas campaign for Liberty; I was on the escalators at Oxford Street tube station and as I travelled up the escalator every single poster was my work. I know it was temporary but I must admit I was chuffed!

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Watch the video interview in partnership with Crane.tv

The funny thing is, I never really stopped reading childrens stories

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Pretty Florals Striking Stripes

With Spring in the air this upcoming season, it is all about flowers and stripes. Whether you prefer something soft and feminine or bold and daring, these trends are sure to win you over. Here Heart Home rounds up some of its favourite fabrics to celebrate London Design Week.
By Carole King and Arianna Trapani

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26 15

25

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1. Sarawak, Moroccan, 27.50/m, Villa Nova 2. Irma, 37/m, Harlequin 3. Wild Rose, 30/m, Designers Guild 4. Teal Butterfly, 80/m, Bluebellgray 5. Forget me not, 30/m, Designers Guild 6. Cosmos, 30/m, Designers Guild 7. Tribeca, 36/m, Sanderson 8. Pear, 27.50/m, Villa Nova 9. Orsina, 37/m, Harlequin

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10. Blithfield-Grenville, 120/m, Tissus dHelene 11. Ceylon, 48/m, Sanderson 12. Joelle, 37/m, Harlequin 13. Malibu, 63.80/m, JAB Anstoetz 14. Mandarin Flowers, 42/m, Sanderson

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15. Sarawak, Plum, 27.50/m, Villa Nova 16. Forget me not, 30/m, Designers Guild 17. Saffron Butterfly, 80/m, Bluebellgray 18. Banbury Tulip, 15/m, Ashley Wild 19. Poppies, 39/m, Sanderson 20. Flower Field Linen, 80/m, Bluebellgray 21. Wild Rose, 30/m, Designers Guild

22. Ardleigh Lupin, 15/m, Ashley Wild 23. Malibu, 63.80/m, JAB Anstoetz 24. Orsina, 37/m, Harlequin 25. Blithfield-Grenville, 120/m, Tissus dHelene 26. Madame Butterfly, 85/m, Designers Guild

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Heart Shopping

SCANDI STYLE

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME WITH PRETTY PASTELS AND SCANDINAVIAN INSPIRED FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

Heals

Spring is hopefully not too far away so give your home a new lease of prettiness with the new Scandi style range from Heals. We really think they have excelled themselves this season as it has a gorgeously divine colour palette which enables the products to fit into any current scheme you may have as well as injecting some yellow pops of brightness in the form of lights and candle holders. As always, we have created our guide to suit any budget to help you restore some Spring serenity to your house. By Sophie Warren-Smith

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THRIFTY

INVESTMENT

LUXURY

Yellow ball pendant, 60 mydeco

Green bell ceramic pendant, 199 Funktion Alley

Giant122 pendant in blue, 312 Anglepoise

Marlow open shelf unit, 599 Furniture Village

Cade tall shelving unit, 800 Habitat

Ligna solid oak bookcase, 1,635 4 Living

Apple cushion, 25 Bouf

Ballooning cushion cover, 28 Roddy & Ginger

Meg cushion by Donna Wilson, 37.99 SCP

Candy stripes rug, 170 x 240cm, 284 Wovenground

Fresh pastel stripe rug, 170 x 240cm, 385 John Lewis

Colour carpet rug by Hay, 756 The Lollipop Shoppe

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Heart Style

A Splash of Spring
Forget the monochrome tones that represent the winter months, spring is the time to liven up our homes with vibrant fresh greens, yellows and crisp white.

Stylist & writer Karl Openshaw

Photographer John Deed

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Wine crates stacked either on top of each other or side by side make great little compartments in which to show possessions.

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Heart Style

Use large canvases painted in tones of grey, black and white as the backdrop for the colours of spring.

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Use old bottles that can be picked up for a few pennies at car boot sales.

The moss covered chair is a fun decorative accessory to add. Great if you have a garden room or balcony.

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Add colour to black and white and pastel collections with the many floral gems that are available at this time of year.

Arrange ceramics in groups, keeping similar shapes, colours or textures together. Jonathan Adler ceramics are always quirky and fun and great to mix in.

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Heart Homes

Designs for life.

When Chelsea Cefai finally landed her dream home, she also discovered a treasure trove of rare designs which changed the direction of her life.
Photographer Mark Bolton Writer Michaela Mildenhall

The journey began when Chelsea fell in

love with a property that was virtually on her doorstop. Wed lived around the corner from this house for quite a few years and Id always kept an eye on it hoping that one day I would see a For Sale sign. It was an event that was clearly meant to be. The sign did indeed go up eventually and Chelsea and husband Gary managed to sell their current property within a week. Five years later they are still living in their converted Victorian property, which is located in the historic market town of Rugby. One of the main features of the house Chelsea originally fell in love with was its unusual layout: Its a double fronted Victorian property so the rooms are laid out squarely on either side of the entrance hall, rather than the usual long narrow format you get with a Victorian terrace. Chelsea realised that

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housing two businesses, two daughters and Dusty the colour and had no problem with pulling it all in. Ive cat was always going to be a big demand on space: I never felt uncomfortable or nervous about mixing knew the layout would work perfectly for family life; styles and love to experiment with different styles. with plenty of usable space and separate working We have lots of usable, family space and the things we areas for our businesses. After the initial excitement find and love are what make it personal. died down, the Cefai family had a real task on their Everything flows from a few initial ideas and key hands, building an extension to the rear ground floor. pieces: Inspiration for each room usually starts with Chelsea added, We also decided to re-point the entire something quite simple like a picture or a piece of house more than half way through the project, hence a furniture. In the living room we have a piece of artwork constant cloud of orange brick dust to contend with! by Terry Frost, which hangs above the fireplace. On the decoration front, Chelsea has a real knack But a major discovery was about to seal the fate of the

for putting together different looks, a good eye for overall conception of the decor.

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Wed lived around the corner from this house for quite a few years and Id always kept an eye on it hoping that one day I would see a For Sale sign

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We were completing the final stage of the renovations in the kitchen/dining areas and I came across the work of Sheila Bownas at an auction. The illustrations were ideal to display in the downstairs space but when I discovered there were more than 200 original patterns I had a sudden urge to save the entire collection! Chelsea further explains Flora Dora our online shop was launched with a limited range of prints, fabrics, cushions and postcards. So far we have released 10 of Sheilas original designs from the 50s and 60s. In fact Chelsea is very much a vintage design aficionado with a passion for the preservation of British design in particular.

I knew the layout would work perfectly for family life; with plenty of useable space and separate working areas for our businesses

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Inspiration for each room usually starts with something quite simple like a picture or a piece of furniture

This is something which Chelsea wanted to reflect in her home, although there is a real mix of dcor throughout the house: There is quite a clear difference in style between the two floors. This type of house can carry a mix of styles very well and Im strongly influenced by several distinctive periods, predominantly the 40s, 50s and 60s. When we moved here I still loved the antique French bed my husband bought for us in our very first home 15 years ago! www.flora-dora.co.uk

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Get the look from Chelseas home

Fabric Clock, 25 from Gift Wrapped and Gorgeous Kitchen Pendant, 54.99 from tch

Style steal

Heart Shopping

Sagaform Retro Teapot, 24.95 from Cloudberry Living

Oriel Sofa 1,925 from Rume

Venetian Mirror, 245

from French Bedroom Co

Framed Print, 18.99 from Arthouse

Sean Connery

Big Rose

Pink Wallpaper, 43 from Wallpaper King

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A Touch of Flock
For our Spring issue, Heart Home were lucky enough to spend some time with bespoke furniture maker, Johnny Egg. We found him with wife Lucy in the aptly named Egg House. They share their Essex home with two dogs, one cat, a handful of chickens and hundreds of furniture prototypes

Photographer Paul Craig Writer Ellie Walker-Arnott

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Travelling the world gave me a taste for whats around in different countries

Though Johnny has been crafting furniture since the age of sixteen, when he was a cabinetmakers apprentice, his career really took off in 2003 after he exhibited at the prestigious 100% Design show. Since then, his flamboyant style has been embraced by interior designers and nowadays his furniture is stocked by contemporary design store Heals. Johnnys work ranges from elegant patterns and and understated vibrant to wonderfully wacky. Using bold colours, Johnny takes traditional shapes and distorts them to create clever and innovative pieces of furniture. He specialises in sharp lines and seriously stylish mirrored and gloss finishes, as well as softer shapes, designs and textures. And thats where Johnnys trademark finish comes in. Johnny loves to add a twist to everyday items, be it telephones, light fittings or the inside of drawers, with a touch of

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flock. The idea originated from the desire to create something soft inside his furniture. After his apprenticeship, Johnny travelled to all four corners of the globe aboard cruise ships, meeting his wife Lucy when working in an onboard casino. They decided to settle down and they have lived a much quieter and laid back life ever since. Now, instead of card dealing, Johnny is happiest walking his dogs or having a quiet drink in his local country pub, The Compasses in Littley Green.

Ill have things in the house, sometimes for six months, before I realise that I actually do like them!

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Prototype models for upcoming new safe collection

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I enjoy taking something old and then updating it

Win
Enter competition

It was once he was back on British soil, that Johnny rekindled his love for carpentry, and his home is now the place where Johnny decides which pieces hell take further. Living with his designs helps him decide whether or not he really likes them. Ill have things in the house, sometimes for six months, before I realise that I actually do like them! Then Ill carry on and actually make it as a product, he says. The inspiration for his designs comes from the world around him. I am inspired by so many things: colours, fashion, the shape of cars... he says. I

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Johnny at Metro Retro

Johnny at his studio

normally start with a shape. The shape of old furniture is a constant inspiration. I enjoy taking something old and then updating it. During our visit, Johnny took us to one of his favourite British haunts, Metro Retro, a warehouse filled with mountains of covetable vintage furniture. It was easy to see why he is so inspired by the shape and feel of old design. This year Johnny is launching an impressive four new collections. We had a sneak peek at Safe, which features chunky wooden cupboards constructed to look like retro metal safes, and Pashley, a range of chic black and neon pieces. Though increasing the website is the focus of his attention now, Johnny does have aspirations to have his own shop one day, so watch this space... www.johnnyegg.com www.metroretro.co.uk www.compasseslittleygreen.co.uk

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Colourful Living

Photographer James Balston Writer Claire Marie-Slight

A perfect demonstration of how to make the most of the space youve got, Tina Bernsteins Holloway home is bursting with colour and full of daring, unique interior design flair. 95

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Im a creative by nature

C
that.

olour has always been the main source

project took just two months to complete and was not one day, nor one penny over. Asked now what first drew her to the home, Tina comments that she always thinks very carefully about how she would navigate and move around a space; and, with this in mind, the whole idea of renovating a property gutting it completely and starting from scratch really appealed to her. A naturally bright and airy space, the rooftop maisonette has the feel of a second floor flat, despite being reached through only one flight of stairs, and she comments that she felt inspired to use bold colours and unusual designs to really make the most of the light, bright feel of the place. As an interior designer, Tina explains that it was the power over choosing even the littlest of details that made the prospect of renovating the whole property so appealing to her. From

of inspiration for German graphic designer Tina Bernstein; being influenced by brands such as Missoni from the age of fifteen, she was always certain that a bright, airy apartment would best suit her interior design style and so, after buying her North London home, she set out to create just Having purchased the Holloway apartment some seven years ago now, Tina initially found the flat in a real state of disrepair; there was a lot of essential work to be done before she could move in. Not one to shy away from restoration jobs though, Tina set about project managing the renovation herself; hiring a team of five experienced builders and creating architectural drawings to help mould her vision of the property. Tinas efficient management technique meant that the whole

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I thought very carefully about how I navigate and move around a space

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choosing how many plugs to have in each room, to how exactly to connect the stereo in this case, with a 30 metre cable running underneath the floor and the office Tina explains that she really relished the opportunity to have so much say over the design of her home. As well as designing how best to use the space, Tina also decorated the flat herself, down to choosing every material, fabric pattern and item of furniture. She wanted to fill the space with handmade objects and surround herself with colours that would never fail to inspire her and lift her spirits. Asked which item of furniture she treasures

in particular, Tina points out her sofa; purchased in Germany from a friend, she spent some time with him sifting through four hundred fabrics in the search for the exact shade she felt would fit the space. After months of hard work on the flat, Tina celebrated her favourite renovation project yet with a large celebratory house-warming gathering two weeks after she moved in. Even now, seven years on, Tina still loves how shes used bold prints to make the most of the small space and, with the launch of her own company Colour Living, shes encouraging others to embrace bright colours in their interior design styles too. colourliving.co.uk

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My passion is to have a library like Karl Lagerfeld has in Paris

Heart Homes

Colour has always been the main source of inspiration

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Style steal
Sheila B Art Print,

Get the look from Tinas home

49.95 from Easy Art Kartell Panier Table, 177 from mydeco.com Marimekko Mariskooli Bowl, 19 from Skandium

Kartell Gnome Stool, 199

from Made in Design

Missoni Home Jazz Towel, from 13 from Amara

Mediterranea, 80 per roll from Cole and Son

Fornasetti wallpaper

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Heart Columns

Michaela Mildenhall, otherwise known as Pargy, is the author of the blog which hunts down the best in bold and daring design from the past and present.
you thought that kitsch interiors were all about cheap tackiness, high cartoon camp and shallow sentimentality then think again. Kitsch is a very exciting concept, and some of the biggest names in design are currently experimenting with this style and taking it in a whole different direction. Kitsch is often mistaken for bad taste but its actually quite a complex idea, questioning the concept of what is good or bad taste. It also has a chequered past. First we had the cutesy-pie kitsch charm of the 50s. This then mutated into the garish and super sexy 80s version. Kitsch is now the comeback kid in interiors, except that its gone and grown up, becoming polished, witty and virtually unrecognisable. This new breed of kitsch is breathing an air of exuberance into otherwise average interiors. The word kitsch has German origins and was basically a term used to describe cheap, sentimental mass produced ornaments. The biggest decades for kitsch however are the 50s and the 80s. In the 1950s we saw the Tiki type of kitsch; with its proliferation of Tretchikoffs Chinese Girl pictures and nightmare nick-nacks from hell. The 80s saw the emergence of a less innocent kind of kitsch, spearheaded by Artists and photographers such as Jeff Koons and Pierre et Gilles. This type of Kitsch was heavily sexualised, glamorous and worshipped at the altar of pop culture. Over in the world of furniture design, a group of influential Italian designers that called themselves
The elegant Naturo Fantastic range from Lladro.

the Memphis group, took bold geometric shapes and mixed these with kitsch colours and humour. These pieces of furniture were also created in the 1980s, and are highly collectable today. Contemporary designers are becoming very excited about the Memphis style right now so Im sure you will see exciting developments in this area. So how do you incorporate this over-excitable trend into your surroundings? Well, clearly kitsch is not for everyone (and most definitely not for the faint hearted). I personally think it works best when you really embrace it. If youre a fashionista, dandy, hedonist or joker, then Im sure you will work it well, if not, dont panic; here are some pointers!

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Above all else kitsch is extreme and joyful. Forget less is more; more is more! Rumble at the jumble; or even the charity shop for fabby vintage finds. Some retro kitsch is becoming very sought after and you might end up buying a future antique! For walls, why not try out some vibrant kitsch-style wallpaper (I think Amy Butler works the trend very well). Alternatively, you could get some cheap copies of Tretchikoff (in the true spirit of Kitsch) or a selection of postcards featuring the work of Jeff Koons and Pierre et Gilles. There are some great kitsch accessories in the shops at the moment. Kitsch lamps are particularly striking. Think about modern designer pieces for your home. The key is to go for well executed design that has really good detailing. Typical Kitsch themes are cute animals, cartoons, crazy florals, femme fatales and pretty sailors!
Moooi Horse Lamp.

Blaue Blume petit four stand from Undergrowth Design and Temple Tulips wallpaper from Amy Butler, available at Graham & Brown.

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Floral Finds for your Home

By Rona Wheeldon

Rona Wheeldon is the writer behind the floral-inspired blog, Flowerona

A bouquet of felt flowers in a patchwork pot make up this pretty Floral Bunch Doorstop from Laura Ashley. 26. Cornwall based St Eval Candle Company make fabulous candles, including this Rose Garden design in a pot 10.80, with its matching vase 12.80. From Designers Guilds is this beautiful fabric from their Gran Paradiso collection called Carmen Poppy, featuring these pretty over sized poppy blossoms using vibrant colours inspired by the flora of Sevilla and Granada. Price is 51/m The Milo flower bottle from LSA with its quirky glass flower stopper would make a lovely, original present. 33.

A lovely way to display your home-made cakes is on this up-cycled vintage china cake stand from designer, Esther Coombs. The stand features hand-drawn illustrations of English heritage buildings and is decorated with red blooms. 138

Beautiful Red Roses painting by the very talented artist Charlotte Hardy a perfect way to add colour to a room. 595.

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Sweet as a Nut
If there is any time that lends itself particularly well to a sweet treat, its Easter. Forget the heavy wedges of wintery bakes, springtime calls for a cake that is light, fragrant and sweet, and that looks as pretty as a picture. This Orange & Pistachio Cake is perfect served with a dollop of crme fraiche; its sour note just cuts through the sweetness of the cake. Dont forget to add a few seasonal flowers either; whether a vibrant bloom on the cake itself, or a few wispy sprigs on the side of the plate.

Photographer Emma Gutteridge Writer Louise Gorrod

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Recipe
250g 1 1 100g 120g 250g 4 40g orange

Orange & Pistachio Cake

unsalted butter (softened)

vanilla pod or 1 tsp of vanilla extract ground almonds pistachios (shelled) caster sugar medium eggs plain flour

For the topping: 1 60g 50g orange pistachios (shelled) caster sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 150C / Gas 2. Line and grease a cake

tin with baking parchment. I like touse a loose bottom square tin 20 x 20 x 4 cm. However you can bake this cake in a loaf tin of 22 x 12 cm or a 22 cm round tin.

utes. Its done when a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. If you find your cake isnt quite cooked through, but desirably golden enough on top, just loosely cover with foil and continue baking until its done.

2. Firstly, grind your pistachio nuts to fine green crumbs

and set aside. If youre using a vanilla pod, split it and scrap out the seeds and set aside.

5. When the cake is cooked, leave it to cool in the tin before

turning out.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until they are
light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time. Now add the zest of one orange, the vanilla seeds or extract and then fold in the ground almonds and pistachios. Finally sieve and fold in the flour.

6. For the topping, first roughly chop the pistachios and set
aside. Next add the juice of an orange to a small pan along with the sugar and bring to a boil for a moment so that it thickens. Remove from the heat and add the zest of the orange and the chopped pistachios. Mix everything together and spoon over the cake. Decorate with a dainty flower should you so desire and enjoy.

4. Transfer the mixture into your cake tin and pop it into
your oven. It should be done in 45 minutes, but as each and every cooker can differ, it pays to have a peep after 30 min-

buttercupdaysuk.blogspot.com emmalucyphotography.com

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Home is where the Heart is

Photographer Oliver Gordon Writer Katie Cotgrave

Stamping her style on a Victorian flat conversion couldnt be easier for inspirational designer Catherine Hammerton

As a talented designer and owner of a thriving online home wares store, Catherine Hammerton oversees the production of all her exciting product. From digitally printed fabrics and wallpapers to soft furnishings, Catherine is passionate about ethically sound designs. Most recently she has added beautiful ceramics to her collections and hopes to expand in kitchen textiles too. Based at my studio at Cockpit Arts, in Holborn, this is where I coordinate the madness and dream up new ideas! Since her days at The Royal College of Art Catherine has lived with her partner Ian, who works in the film industry, in a Victorian conversion flat in West London. Both originally from South Wales, Weve been here nearly 8 years now, where does the time go? The couples rented flat consist of one bedroom, bathroom and an open plan kitchen and living space. Bright and full of style the townhouse has been divided up into three flats. We have had some fantastic neighbours over the years, laughs Catherine, A band of kiwi opera singers was one of my favourites! Just wonderful to hear them practice.

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Rabbit head from Emily Warren, bottles Shan Valla, Rob Ryan framed cut-out, bird and nest from Holy Smoke

I love having all of my family photos and trinkets around me thats what makes our flat our home

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Heart Homes Before we lived here I studied and lived in High Wycombe, a small town in the beautiful county of Buckinghamshire. States Catherine, classic student mayhem, sharing with three other textile girls, but brilliant fun! Now in rented accommodation the couple have been lucky to have free reign over the decor and style of their home. With white-washed walls lots of light is reflected throughout the flat, it also keeps everywhere looking fresh and bright. I am a great lover of car boot sales and junk shops, explains Catherine. I love a bargain and our home is an eclectic mismatch but one that reflects our journey together over the years. Having family trinkets and photos all around transforms the flat into a characterful home. I try not to fill the house with things I have made, as it seems weird to fill our tiny space with my own work, states Catherine. Through their student days Catherine and Ian have received lots of lovely gifts from friends and family, now the flat is full to the brim of stunning items they were able to invest in. Our flat is very lived in, its eclectic and colourful, states Catherine. I love our livingroom-come-kitchen. Its cosy by candle light and lined with artworks, objects and pictures from friends and family, so I always feel like they are around me, explains Catherine. The

Our flat is very lived in, its eclectic and colourful

couple take inspiration from lots of local fairs, I love Kempton antiques in Twickenham for furniture and all things weird and wonderful, the Vintage textile and fashion fair in Hammersmith is fantastic for trims, buttons and oddities explains Catherine.

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Future plans for the flat include retiling the bathroom, its currently an awful 80s peach nightmare! Luckily my dad is an architect and on hand to transform it so watch this space! states Catherine.

From producing her own line in the UK Catherine is passionate about British Design, and this can be seen throughout the stunning London property. Home truly is where the heart is in this small, but perfectly formed flat. catherinehammerton.com

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Heart Shopping

Printing Press Word, 15 from Seld

Style steal
Stoneware Jug, 17 from Berry Red

Get the look from Catherines home

Red Refectory 23.95 from Clock,

Dotcomgiftshop

Glazed Bird Tealight

Holder, 4 from Tesco Quilted Cushion, 44

from Berry Red

18.99 from Mollie & Fred

Pastel Pouring Jugs,

600 from Miv Watts Design

Vintage French Armachair,

Hand Stitched Throw and Pillowcase, 145 from Idyll Home

La Cafetire Stove Top Kettle, 35 from Red Candy

Roberts Revival Dab Radio, 149 from Leekes

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Celebrate ...decorate
By Jeska Hearne

Jeska from Lobster & Swan shakes off the winter blues and jumps straight into spring by getting all creative. Here she shows how to brighten up any corner, mantelpiece or table with these simple craft projects that can be made in less than an afternoon.

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These vintage-style, kite tail tissue garlands take minutes to make. All you need is about twenty five 4 tissue paper squares and some fine string, cotton or wool. Simply pinch each paper square in the middle and twist once to make a bow shape then knot your string around the centre of the bow and continue in this way until you have the desired length of the garland.

For the twig wreath you can repurpose a birch wreath and strip off any old leaves. Tie bows and knots of ribbon, braid and fabric scraps around the ring; fasten beads and shell buttons with wire in between. Then tie some string for hanging and place a floral paper rose bouquet at the top to cover the join.

Spring twig spray, just like the wreath is very easy. Tie scraps of fabric and ribbon and wire flowers on gathered twigs, pop in a vase and done! Spring favour crackers. Making use of old packaging, cut down the old tubes from foil and cling film dispensers, wrap them in layers of pale and dark tissue paper. Secure the tissue with tape and tie a matching ribbon at one end. Fill with candy, lollypops, tin toys, balloons, and charms, then tie the other end closed. Decorate with paper flowers or name labels. These look lovely as place settings or piled high in a basket or bowl. Sourcebook Twig Wreaths: Butlers Emporium, Hastings Floral wreath topper and ribbons from Etsy Balloons, tin cars and other favours from Black-out, Brighton Cath Kidston paper labels from Amazon Chocolate and boiled sweets from Carluccios All other sweets from Cyber Candy Tissue paper from Storm Trading Flower rosettes: Stylists own, find similar at VV Rouleaux

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I love Norway and Sweden and their wonderful textile designs

It feels pretty scary to leave university when youre not sure what direction to take,

Fabric fancy
Rather then being daunted by the prospect of finding a job after graduation last year, textile designer Nancy decided to simply go it alone and hasnt looked back.

says Newcastle-born Nancy Straughan, 23. I didnt have a plan but I received such positive feedback on my final project that it felt like the right step to take it further on my own. Since graduating from Leeds College of Art in November, Nancy has thrown herself into her craft by moving to London with her graphic designer boyfriend, Paul. The couple share a flat in Stoke Newington and Nancy has moved into a studio space with several fellow creatives in nearby Haggerston. Friends and family were Nancys first customers, but it wasnt long before her striking designs were catching wider attention and drawing in commissions for Writer Hannah Ricci

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Portrait photograph Paul Price

Im drawn to mid-century 1950s design and early Laura Ashley fabrics

bespoke designs for fabric and wallpaper. I decided to take the self-promotion approach, which is incredibly hard work but seems to be really paying off. Through my blog, Twitter and proactive networking I am trying to grow my profile organically, explains Nancy, who also takes and styles her own photos. Scandinavian design is Nancys main source of inspiration. I love Norway and Sweden and the wonderful textile designs greatly influenced much of my student work, she explains. Im also drawn to mid-century Nancy tries to draw every day and starts her designs with pen and paper

be too precious at this stage and I prefer the result that this approach creates. From a catalogue of photos she takes of the natural world like tree bark and rain drops, Nancy adds texture to bring her designs to life before outsourcing digital printing. Next up is a line of beautiful silk dresses that Nancy has teamed up to create with a talented seamstress she discovered on Etsy. In the longer term she dreams of opening her own shop to sell her wares. I often spend my weekends browsing the wonderful local independent interior stores something so nice about people choosing my creations when there is so much

1950s design and early Laura Ashley fabrics. in north-east London. There would be

doodles or cut out paper shapes. I try not to amazing choice out there. Site nancy-straughan.com Blog nancystraughan.blogspot.com

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Aspiring Kennedy
By Lauren Bryan Knight

Diary of a Texan living in the UK

Apparently Americans missed the memo. Or perhaps, it was misinterpreted over the Atlantic. Whatever the reason, its obvious that we misunderstood the purpose of rain boots. Err sorry, wellies. You see, all of us in North America thought that wellies were part of the official wardrobe of Londoners, and that somehow tromping around the city in giant rubber boots would serve as a sort of camouflage to blend us into the high street scene like a black cab or a double-decker bus. Little did we know that schlepping around in designer rubber boots would not help us blend in, but would, in fact, only serve to make us look like tourists. Fear not, this girl now sees the difference and her Burberry wellies now sit in the back of her closet awaiting their next trip to the country. Theres something about British boys that really works- and Im talking about a feature beyond the inherent knowledge of how to wear a well-tailored suit. Im talking about how the English man has perfected the delicate balance of well-coiffed manners & schoolboy naughtiness. Charming wit, with a dash of misbehavior & self-depreciation watch out ladies, its a deadly combo. What Hugh Grant started so many years ago is now coming full form in the deliciously regal form of Prince Harry. And while we are on the topic of boys lets get to British women. Buttoned Up? Frigid? Im not sure thats actually it. With ladies like Queen Elizabeth, Lady Margaret Thatcher, & Maggie Smith residing as cultures most prominent figures- its obvious to see that something is working. Maybe its the tea. Im

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Here I was, the owner of a discarded ticket

for the celebration of the King James Bibles 400th Anniversary. As the ceremony opened with a traditional hymn and their majestys began to glide down the long aisle, my body actually began to tremble. The Queen processed by me and nodded in her classic manner. Prince Phillip followed behind her with a wellpracticed nod, and- as I beamed with the foolish giddiness that only an American can muster in such situations- Prince Charles walked by and offered his polite nod. However upon noticing

starting to wonder if that strong backbone isnt the best type of bait for all those naughty British boys. After nearly two years of waiting patiently on this fair isle, it finally happened. Yes. I saw Queen Elizabeth, up close & in person. Obviously this run in was not at the neighborhood Waitrose- though I do suspect that the Queen would be shopping at Waitrose over ASDA. Instead, after the most serendipitous chain of events, I found myself perched with a fascinator on my head sitting nervously on the front row of Westminster Abbey.

the enormous grin on my face, he broke his composed face and smiled back. He smiled at me! The Prince of Wales smiled at me. Id even go as far as to say he nearly chuckled at me. As the procession continued on towards the altar, I joined in the final verse of the hymn and made a mental note that this was a moment I would never forget.

Heart Features

Home made notebook tutorial

By Hannah Bullivant

Learn how to make a home made notebook with this simple tutorial using vintage papers and fabrics. This would make a wonderful memory book, or use it to deposit advice for mums-to-be or to hold treasured family recipes. With plain pages this would also make a lovely, unique notebook. 126

You will need:

* 2 pieces of thick cardboard, cut 18 by 24cms (I used Mount board) * Various pretty papers cut 15 by 21 cms (A5) * A piece of fabric for your cover * 2 thicker pieces of paper to line the inside of your cover. Vintage wallpaper works brilliantly. * Embroidery thread to hold the book together * A large needle * A drill and small drill bit * Clamps * Mod Podge or PVA glue * Scraper (or credit card)

seedsandstitches.blogspot.com

First, make the cover. Lay your fabric on the table, wrong side up. Place the two pieces of card on the fabric leaving 4 cms of fabric around the outside of the book, and 3 cms in between the card (this will be the books spine.)

Once dry, stick your thicker paper on to the inside cover. It should be cut a couple of cms smaller than your card. Use the scraping technique to ensure it lies flat. Let it dry.

Knock your paper together then carefully insert it in your cover, making sure the paper is sitting snugly in the spine of the book.

Whilst it is still clamped, thread the book together using a contrasting coloured thread.

Clamp the book together against a table top. Ensure that the left hand (spine) edge of your book is hanging off the table by about a quarter. Mark three equal holes down the left hand edge 2 Cms from the edge with a pencil. Using your slimmest drill bit, drill 4 holes through the whole book.

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Heart Travel

Tempting Tel Aviv

Design blogger and journalist Chedva Kleinhandler, takes us on a fascinating tour where she shares her love and passion for her beloved city, Tel Aviv.
Photographer Avishai Finkelstein Writer Chedva Kleinhandler Its one of those rare winter days in Tel Aviv

and Im admiring the grey skies against the hot pink wall in the living room of one of my favorite artists. I chose to start our tour of my favorite Tel Aviv design spots in Samy Ds and Yohai Baraks apartment because to me, the couple and their abode epitomes everything I love about Tel Aviv; Its colorful yet moody, artfully designed but full of life, it changes with every hour and every light, almost like it has a heartbeat of its own, and every piece in it has a unique story. Samy David and Yohai Barak moved to this apartment not long ago, in a building bursting with artists and designers. They dedicated a studio under the apartment, suited for the bigger scale art that Samy is creating now along with his interior design work. Samy is known for his bold use of color in his pottery work, and so its not surprising that every wall in the apartment boasts a different paint color. There are very few places youll feel more welcome than here, which fits perfectly with the couples love Samy David & Yohai Barak's Ceramic Studio

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Samy David & Yohai Baraks Ceramic Studio

of hosting, as they are planning to welcome people to tour the apartment and the studio and hear more about Samys work and process. Gloria Mundi means world glory; it may seem like a haughty name for a home dcor shop that is also a caf, but it was actually very humble, to note that each piece in this beautiful shop originates from different parts of the world, and that they were all picked sustainably, in order to keep this very world in good shape. This gorgeous spot is run by exlawyer Ilanit de Vries and her childhood friend, Felix Hadad. Illanit lived in Amsterdam for 18 years and fell in love with the notion of giving old furniture a makeover, and so here, along with the Scandinavian dcor they import, she and Felix sell gorgeous one of a kind ex-flea-market furniture, like coffee tables made of wooden window shades, armoires made of crates and more. Home Decor shop, Gloria Mundi

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view from Allenby Street

Heart Travel We walk through one of my favorite streets, and one of the oldest streets in Tel Aviv. Allenby Street was named after Field Marshal Viscount Allenby back in the days, and it stretches all the way from the beach through a lot of the most interesting parts of the city. You can find the most fascinating types there of anything: shops, architecture or people. Its all very haphazard and unintentional, and its seems that has always been the case, but this exactly is the charm of Allenby. Just sit back in one

Second hand shop Mugrabi

of the many many cafes and prepare yourself for people-watching galore. At the corner of Allenby and Ben Yehuda stands my favorite second hand shop. I wish I could claim to have just wandered here unintentionally, but I actually read about Mugrabi in the paper and only went there months later. Im glad I did, because now Im there at least once a

week, marveling at owner Avis amazing finds and ideas (he painted an old 1950s fridge a mint hue and stores vintage shoes inside!) and tempted, especially by the unique art he curates. Like many other stores in Tel Aviv, Mugrabi too moonlights as a caf what can I say, its a coffee-crazed town! And I have spent many days sipping a great coffee and working on my blog here.After the visual overdose

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Home Decor shop, Gloria Mundi of Allenby its good to be back at Neve Tzedek. Its a quieter, luxurious neighborhood, just near the beach, full with pretty little boutiques and French tourists that also have summer homes here. The Varsano Hotel manages to blend in it spreads through an entire street of low, typical to the area houses. Yaron and Guy Varsano are brothers who are in the real estate business with a real passion for design. They decorated the hotel by themselves, seeking the assistance of various experts on different topics but ultimately judging by the question would we want to stay here?. The result couldnt be more inviting. The vintage glass panes the brothers picked for the windows, the lamps and the outside couch all speak to the detail-lover that I am.

The Versano Hotel

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Heart Travel

Cosy cottages and hidden hideaways

By Ellie Walker-Arnott Leave the stresses and strains of everyday life behind and retreat into the countryside this spring. Whatever your budget, weve found three of the best secluded spots for a weekend away ...

THE BEACH HUT, CORNWALL

via Unique Home Stays (from 1,075 for a 3 night weekend stay)
The Beach Hut is the ultimate place to stay if you want to really get away from it all. The 1920s hut can be found at the end of a rural track on a secluded beach. Surrounded by Cornish cliffs and quiet stretches of coastline, the solitary spot is your own private wilderness and is the perfect location for a romantic weekend away. The hut, with its wooden whitewashed walls and plenty of seaside charm, is literally a stones throw from the sea - you can watch the waves from the comfort of your bed and fall asleep to the sound of the surf. While your days away wandering along the rugged coastline or sunbathing on the sand, and spend your evenings snuggled up on the veranda with a blanket and a bottle of Cornish wine. You wont have to see another floorboards, soul, but if you decide to venture out of your coastal bubble the town of Bude is just a quick drive away.

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HOLE COTTAGE, KENT

via Landmark Trust (from 509 for a 3 night weekend stay)

Hole Cottage can be found deep in ancient forest time. Without wi-fi or TV, youll have to amuse on the northern slopes of the weald, hidden in yourself. Laze in the spring sunshine surrounded a woodland clearing on the Falconhurst estate. by lush greenery or spend your days meandering The cottage, which sits in an idyllic location through ancient woodland. beside a small stream, is all that remains of an impressive late medieval hall. You could forget all about the outside world. But if you fancy a trip back to civilisation,

With its slow paced and peaceful feel, a stay Cowden station is, surprisingly, only a 15 at Hole Cottage is a little bit like going back in minute walk away through the trees.

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WHITEGATES COTTAGE, LINCOLNSHIRE

via National Trust Cottages (from 208 for a 3 night weekend stay)
Whitegates Cottage is in a peaceful spot at the Whitegates Cottage boasts traditional mud

foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. With its painted and stud walls and charming original features, green door, orchard garden and thatched roof, with cosy beamed rooms and a pretty open fire. the little cottage could be the setting of a fairytale. You could spend your weekend hidden away The cottage is nestled in a quiet corner of the in your own tiny picture perfect cottage or use Gunby Estate with the impressive Gunby Hall on the cottage as a base from which to explore its doorstep. Gunby Hall is an impressive National the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside and Trust property which sits within pretty Victorian coastline. walled gardens.

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Miss Marys suggestions for Spring dates

By Mary Higgs

Mary Higgs is the author of popular website The Great Date Guide.

For those of you lucky enough to live in the

country, the sight of a gambolling spring lamb will be a regular occurrence. For millions of us living in the city thats sadly not the case. Spring, to me, is all about new life and the inquisitive newborn lamb is the perfect sign that spring has sprung. To bring a slice of the countryside to town, a great spring date is a trip to a city farm. There are at least eight in London, and one of my favourites is Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs. Theres nothing more incongruous than hopping on a tube to go and look at some sheep grazing in front of a skyscraper, but at the same time, nothing more wonderful! This is the perfect spring date for a townie wishing they were living the rural dream or a country bumpkin missing home For me, Spring Break doesnt mean an annual trip Youll find city farms dotted all over the UK but to Cancun with a bunch of US teenagers (anymore!) it other half, somewhere in the great British countryside. Due to my springtime obsession with lambs I cant think of anything better than a weekend in a beautifully renovated shepherds hut, like the Shepherds Return at the Hollow in West Sussex. Located in a country garden just an hour from London, but surrounded by fields, this is the perfect weekend getaway. Charming and simple with an incredibly stylish interior its every stressed city workers dream! Take a look at the inspiring Canopy and Stars website for more special places to stay across the country, but this particular hut sleeps 2, from 100 a night. www.canopyandstars.co.uk

we visited Mudchute City Farm, which is located on means a weekend away to relax and unwind with my the Isle of Dogs and is free to visit. www.mudchute.org

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All this excitement about spring is cause for

celebration, and whats the best way to celebrate? With a cocktail of course! Gone are the months of mulled wine and sloe gin, now its time for some fresh and fruity cocktails umbrella optional The UK boasts plenty of fantastic bars but one of my favourites is the quirky Paradise by Way of Kensal Green in London. With an eclectic interior, including a candlelit karaoke room, and a huge roof terrace Paradise truly is one of Londons hidden gems. I asked them for their signature Spring cocktail the answer? The Paradise Gin Mule. Ingredients: 50ml Millers gin Large chunk of cucumber 20ml lemon juice The promise of spring tends to get me a little over 20ml gomme (sugar syrup) excited about the prospect of summer! Sunshine, Ginger beer warmth, evenings spent outside Sadly the British climate doesnt always play fair, so, if youre desperate Method: for some sunshine and colour then head to a botanical Pour the gin over the cucumber garden. In London a great weekend date is a trip to and muddle. Add the lemon and the fabulous Kew Gardens. The amazing glasshouses gomme, top up with ice and shake. Strain the mixture are full of vibrant tropical flowers, but Kew is also a into the glass over crushed ice and top with ginger beautiful spot to experience spring in its own right beer. Garnish with peels of cucumber and mint sprig. with lush carpets of bluebells and daffodils making a colourful display. For a more adventurous date Kew metres long and designed by the architects of the The verdict? Delicious. Spring in a glass that will You can find the Paradise Gin Mule at Paradise has a sensational tree top walk, 18 metres high, 200 give you a spring in your step! London Eye. From up top youll get a stunning view by Way of Kensal Green and it will set you back 6. of all the spring flowers, not to mention a very good www.theparadise.co.uk excuse to grab hold of your dates hand on the excuse of your terrible vertigo! Most major cities have botanical gardens. We visited Kew Gardens in West London, which costs 13.90 for an adult. www.kew.org

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Heart Diary

Heart MAR Home APR Diary MAY

By Katie Treggiden

HIDDEN HEROES - THE GENIUS OF EVERYDAY THINGS The Science Museum, 9th November 2011 5th June Tickets: 6, 3.50 concessions.
Hidden Heroes shines a spotlight on the overlooked inventions we couldnt live without. The exhibition reveals the efforts made to establish each product, as well sharing quirky titbits of information such as Napoleons role in the evolution of the tin can and the connection between a descending plane and bubble wrap.

DESIGNERS OF THE YEAR Design Museum, 8th February 15th July. Tickets: 11, 10 concessions, 7 students
The Design Museums the Design most Awards, the Oscars of the design world, showcase innovative and progressive designs from around the world, spanning seven categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics and Transport and Product.

Saverio Lombardi Vallauri

I SALONI 2012 Milan Fairgrounds, Rho, Milan,17th - 22nd April 2012 Tickets:from 23.00. Trade Only. General public may attend Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd only - 36 for 2.
Featured this year along with the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, the worlds foremost showcase in the Furniture & Home Decor sector, are the biennial trade shows Eurocucina with FTK (Technology for the Kitchen) and the International Bathroom Exhibition, as well as the annual International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, and of course the SaloneSatellite, this latter dedicated to the creativity

Luke Hayes

of young designers.

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BRITISH DESIGN 1948 - 2012 Victoria and Albert Museum 31st March 12th August Tickets: 13.50
The V&As upcoming exhibition, British Design 19482012: Innovation in the Modern Age, celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 Austerity Games to the summer of 2012. Over 300 British design objects highlight significant moments in the history of British design and how the country continues to nurture artistic talent and be a world leader in creativity and design.

Jamie Reid

Jaguar Heritage

INPUT 288 Upper Street, Islington, N1 2TF, 16th March - 3rd April 2012 Tickets: Free entry
Coexistence are hosting an exhibition by the British furniture brand MARK. It is a collaboration with the Danish textiles company Kvadrat and will show what goes into a piece of high quality contract furniture in four areas: Design, Skills, Materials and Teamwork.

MARK

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Heart Diary

AI WEIWEI: DROPPING THE URN V&A, 15th October 201118th March. Tickets: Free
On his return to Beijing in 1993 Ai turned his attention to classical Chinese artistic traditions and crafts. Many of the works he made during the 1990s such as Untitled, 1993 act as a commentary on Chinas transformation during this period and the impact of capitalism on cultural heritage and traditional artistic practices.

AT HOME WITH THE WORLD Geffrye Museum, 20th March 9th September. Tickets: Free
As we prepare to welcome the world to London in 2012, we ask how English are our homes? This exhibition will highlight domestic objects which have come from overseas or been influenced by other cultures to tell a fascinating story about how many of the designs, decorations, materials and social customs with which we consider to be English, might have originated elsewhere. This will engage you in a dialogue about your home, exploring how other cultures have shaped our ideas about what makes a home and about the way we live.

BAUHAUS, ART AS LIFE Barbican, 3rd May - 12th August 2012 Tickets: 8 online, 10 on the door
The biggest Bauhaus exhibition in the UK in over 40 years presents the modern worlds most famous art school. From expressionist beginnings to a pioneering model uniting art and technology the Bauhaus utopian vision sought to change society in the aftermath of the First World War. Bauhaus: Art as Life explores the diverse artistic production that made up its turbulent fourteenyear history and delves into the subjects at the heart of the school: art, culture, life, politics and society, and the changing technology of the age.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME: WHERE WE LIVE AND WHY RIBA, 66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD, 16th February 28th April. Tickets: Free admission
Enjoy a new RIBA exhibition, guest curated by Sarah Beeny, charting the story of the design and appeal of everyday homes in the UK. Through archival and orginal material, it explores the characteristics of a British obsession and the drivers that have shaped how and where we live - from late 18th century speculation to the present day via suburban expansion and post-war experiment.

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Makoto Yamawaki

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Join the Heart Home mailing list

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Heart Shopping

Dani Miller is on a mission to bring a touch of old Hollywood glamour to the ladies of Winchester through her enchanting lingerie boutique.

Illustrator Gemma Milly Writer Victoria Dockrell

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I want Boudoir Blush to feel like a beautiful ladies dressing room

hen Dani Miller opened her Winchester lingerie boutique in February 2007, she aspired to create an independent boutique where you could source beautiful lingerie

that fitted impeccably, previously something only available in London or abroad. Her experiences working for a Saudi Arabian lingerie company in Dubai and growing up in the Middle East, inspired her to fill a gap in the lingerie market in her home town of Winchester. I want to make it a glamorous place for women to go, where they can feel at home and enjoy being fitted, Dani says. She is very much inspired by the bygone era of old Hollywood glamour, claiming

The boutique is styled as an elegant and alluring vintage boudoir

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Heart Shopping

I love all the old 1950s MGM movies where women were women and their fashion reflects that. Dani felt that there was a lack of personal, indepth service in the UK lingerie market and that it was time to show the women of Winchester that you dont have to compromise on the quality or prettiness of your lingerie, no matter what size you are. She wanted to create somewhere where women could feel confident knowing that the staff knew their stock, the fabrics and how their ranges would fit. Dani says she was deeply influenced by her time in the Middle East where women are happy to spend significant amounts on themselves and their lingerie. She claims they always have matching sets; it really surprised me that women in the UK could buy a gorgeous bra and not buy the matching bottoms! I honestly believe English women have a problem spoiling themselves. She believes that British

It really surprised me that women in the UK could buy a gorgeous bra and not buy the matching bottoms!

women underestimate the psychological effect that your lingerie can have on confidence and personal well-being and she intends to re-educate them, one lady at a time. Boudoir Blush stocks well known British and international brands with a strong emphasis on quality and fit. Dani tries to source individual and pretty ranges which are still wearable on a daily basis. Her main customer base is women aged between 30 - 55 who crave an alternative to the usual high street offerings. Her favourite brands right now are

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Chantelle and Mimi Holliday which she describes as

wonderfully chic and feminine. Building on her inspiration of classic glamour, Dani wants Boudoir Blush to feel like a beautiful ladies dressing room, and has tried to create an atmosphere where women feel at ease, almost as if they were at a friends house trying on clothes. This is reflected in the dcor of the boutique which is styled as an elegant and alluring vintage boudoir. Dani says her favourite parts of the shop are the walls. Theyre either painted bright red or lined with flamboyant wall paper its always a talking point she says. Customer service is also a very important to Dani, she says I always wanted to make sure we made friends with our customers so that they could come and ask us our advice with outfits or looks they were trying to achieve. Dani has recently undertaken a re-branding exercise for the boutique and bought in designer Gemma Milly to redesign the bags and stationery. She wanted to create something which old-style reflected the

Dior

advertising in the 1920s, and is very happy with the

results which she believes have really captured the essence of Boudoir Blush and its philosophy. Boudior Blush 9A Parchment Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AT 01962 841344

Spring forward...
Next issue out 14 June 2012 Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to read the Summer issue.

Photographer John Deed