Yellow
If you think yellow as an interiors shade went out with the Eighties, think again. Every interior and product designer worth the label dabs the colour hither and thither and the moment. All of Salvesen Graham’s fabrics and wallpapers come in a yellow colourway – and we will never forget the yellow scullery they did at Trewithen House in Cornwall. At his recent Queen Anne project in Norfolk, Carlos Garcia went for a yellow prep table in the kitchen. And just you try to resist Tooka’s yellow bow candleholders.
Paper Lighting
The paperless trend that has rightly swept the nation doesn’t apply to lighting. Everywhere you turn, there are examples of shades and lamps being made out of the stuff. Maison Flaneur’s lovely raffia lampshade is a case in point, while H&M currently has a fab pleated paper table lamp that comes in great colours. And Anna Cox Home does a very chic entire lamp made of raffia.
Vintage-Style Alarm Clocks
If we want our children to keep their phones out of their bedrooms, then surely we should do the same? Which means it’s time to invest in a vintage-style alarm clock – or several. The market has clearly woken up to our need, as well, because pleasing versions abound. John Lewis has an excellent range. Amazon stocks a dreamy Kikkerland one. For us, however, the ne plus ultra is Roberts Radio’s Ortus 2.
Coloured Sanitaryware
Anything The Water Monopoly does is covetable and bound to catch on but at the top of our fantasy wish list is their ‘mouth-watering’ coloured Rockwell sanitaryware. Luckily, there are plenty of options available to mere mortals as well, like these from Vida. And you’ll find a riot of colourful things for your bathroom at the unsung hero that is Beautiful Toilets. If you can’t face going the whole hog, consider coloured ceramic lights in the bathroom like these at Dyke and Dean.
Built-In Bars
Once upon a time, you kept your bottles of spirits out of sight, gathering dust on an unloved tray at best. Then you thought about a retro bar cart, inspired mainly by Mad Men. Now, anybody who is anybody is considering a built-in bar. You know you’ve made it in the world of interiors if you’ve found a shelf, nook or cupboard to convert into a bar. Antiqued mirror, glass shelving and glossy woodwork optional. Anyone can do it but the one above by Sarah Vanrenen is the dream.
By Becky Ladenburg
October 2023
