White on White

I adore white on white and collect all sorts of embossed stationary. So I could't resist this French linens catalogue printed in 1952, from Wayward's stall at Brighton's Saturday market.
When I'm working on interior projects, I rarely use standard bright white paint colour I always specify a shade of white that complements the total environment.

I have just spent weeks selecting the white for my new workspace. Only to realise it was almost irrelevant once I'd moved in all my files and boxes. They are all different shades depending on age;but these different levels add such a texture.

I had to get a photograph of these white towels on the white wall, at the new Jane Scrivner spa treatment rooms, they seem to have a real rhythm about them.

Cabana Magazine

I'm fascinated by what's happening with magazines at the moment. The effect of the internet has meant a rethink on all levels of design and consumerism. Main stream fashion magazines now have a constantly updating online presence, but this hasn't made them more desirable to me. What I have found most inspiring is the rise of the elite design magazine with a very focused edit. Magazines like The gentlewoman and Kinfolk, full of great engaging copy and beautiful imagery. But best of all is this new interiors magazine Cabana; it is stunning.

The attention to detail in the production.......from the choice of 7 silkscreen printed fabric covers by Pierre Frey, to all the different paper stocks used for the spreads inside......this is design heaven. I've tried to find out more about the magazine on the internet but could only find this review by Dryce on Style.com

This is not a magazine you will find in every newsagent, I bought my copy in Astier de Villatte, the beautifully quirky interiors shop on Rue St Honore in Paris, which also features in the magazine. There is so much to see, and feel and to be inspired by in this magazine, it is pure joy!

Powdered Pastels

Pastel ceramics - inspiration from Nelly Rodi

Spring's been here for a while and we've had some beautiful bright days, so I'm a bit late with this observation on the season's pastel trend.

Usually I steer clear of colours that are too sweet but there is a powdery feel to this year's colours that gives them a sophistication. They look great when worn with attitude as above from & Other Stories or below from Net a Porter

These spongy, neoprene style fabrics, give a very modern edge to these powered shades - so desirable!

My current mood board

Normally by February I start dreaming of pastels and this coming spring's colours are beautiful. However the mood board in my studio is still reflecting the weather outside due to the relentless rain and howling wind. Since December I've removed the black and introduced greys to work back with my navy and indigo palette - so the mood is lifting a bit. But there are some lovely things on my board......

My friend Kate just gave me this gorgeous hot water bottle, as I have no heating yet in my new flat. It's so lovely though, that I'm keeping it at my studio until my building work stops. By Jules Hogan, she got it from Not On The High Street and it'll look fabulous with my crumpled grey, linen sheets from H&M 

The other fabrics on my board that I'm hoping to introduce into my interior scheme are from Eleanor Pritchard - I love this whole mix of pattern and texture......

So until spring arrives and my building works complete, this is my inspiration.