Lovely Things

John Lewis Paisley Duvet Cover

At this time of year we tend to think of chocolate brown and jewel tones: deep ruby red, dark sapphire blue and the like. But sometimes all that intense colour can feel a bit oppressive in the bedroom. If you prefer something cooler-coloured to relax in, this paisley duvet cover in aqua and green tones is really subtle, despite being very detailed in pattern. Prices start at £35 for a single, up to £65 for a super king, and pillowcases are available separately for £9. John Lewis is also offering free pre-Christmas delivery if you order by 3pm today.

Related: Faux Fur Bedding & Throws | Whimsical Pillowcases from Kate Storer | Amenity Nature Inspired Bedding

Manhole Cover Bathmat

I wrote about manhole cover doormats back in May and the style seems to be popular as you can now get a similar look in your bathroom with this rubber manhole cover bathmat. If you don't go for 'pretty' or you need something more sturdy than a traditional fabric bathmat, this could be a good choice. It has a 50 cm diameter, comes only in grey and is available from thedoghouse.co.uk for £19.99.

Related: Funky doormats | Fired Earth rug sale & offers | Lovely Things: Bathroom

Faux Fur Bedding & Throws

Fur really is luxurious, especially for winter. While I wouldn't feel comfortable with real fur in my home, faux fur can give you the same decadent feeling, without harming any little beasties. Here's a round-up of some of the fake fur options for throws and blankets currently on offer to have you snuggling up over the winter months...

First up is Heal's who has a couple of options. There's this lovely silver, almost shimmering, rippled faux fur throw and cushion set (shown) starting at £100...

Matalan Orchid Jug

This pretty jug looks like it's wearing a corsage. It has a lovely country feel, but the addition of the orchid - not such a traditional country-style flower - gives it a fresher feel. It's £8 from Matalan, but there's not much info on the website, so you'll need to trek down to a store for more details.

Related: Minimalist Black Vase from Tesco | Gift Guide: £10 and under | Matalan Christmas Gift Wrap

Glass Patterned Wall Clock from ASOS

I love vintage patterns - especially when they're used in an interesting way. This glass wall clock by Karlsson has great contrasting patterns that looks like they're taken from vintage tiles or china. It's battery operated and has a 16 inch (41cm) diameter. Available from ASOS for £15.

Related: Shabby chic vintage-style clocks | Cheap & (shabby) chic mantel clocks | Lovely Things: Shabby Chic

Floral Table from Paperchase

It's not really the season to be talking about outdoor living, but while this floral table is designed to take on camping trips, it would also be useful as additional low coffee table space for indoor parties. You know what it's like: your friends are lounging around on floor cushions because you don't have enough seating and drinks get spilled because they're sat on the floor. Problem solved! The table would also make a stylish child's table, especially if bedroom space is at a premium, as one assumes (though the site doesn't confirm), that the legs are folding. £25 from Paperchase and also available in a rectangular shape with butterflies or stripes.

Related: Father's Day gifts for BBQ Dad | Amenity Nature Inspired Bedding | Tealight holders for the garden

Magazines: Ideal Home Preview

Ideal Home magazine now offers a free online preview of its latest issue. You can currently view the January 2007 edition which, oddly, features some lovely decorating ideas for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Don't tell me that magazines are now realising that, as they bring each issue out before the start of the month (eg: January's issue is available in December), they're now including features appropriate to when it's actually being read? Wouldn't it just make more sense to bring the magazine out on the first day of the month and have month-appropriate articles? Either way, it's great to have a little look at what's inside before buying.

Moderno Glassware from the Pier

How wonderfully gothic these 'Moderno' glasses look, very sleek and simple, but incredibly opulent at the same time. You could go all out baroque style with decadent tableware and flowers, or quite minimalist with plain edgy white china and stark cutlery and this glassware would complement either look. The glasses are mouth-blown, so you'll probably need to wash them by hand, but being from the Pier, they're still keenly priced at £4 each. 

Related: Kate Spade Gwinnett Lane Tableware | Gift Ideas: Laura Ashley Tableware | Lovely Things: Tableware

Retro Coasters from Truly Ace

It's great being able to buy from small, independent designer-manufacturers. Through little online shops, you'll often discover new things that aren't available anywhere else, like these retro coasters from Truly Ace by designer Amanda Vlahakis. They come as a boxed set of four for £8 and are available in a striped design or the fabulous rounded design shown which makes me think of watermelons. They're cork-backed and suitable for hot or cold drinks.

Related: Fabulous chairs by Aiveen Daly | Pink kitchen appliances | Store Discovery: Retro Decades

Wall Hangings from Salvor Fauna

These balsa wall hangings from Salvor Fauna are so unusual and really beautiful. All the art is printed by hand and most feature animals. My favourites are the 'Cloudscape' and 'Camel' pictures shown. Both pieces are quite large at 24 x 48 inches, cost $288 and are available from Design Public.