In my new flat I have a brand new kitchen, and so I don't want to spoil it with old tea-towels that, frankly, have seen better days. So I'm on a tea-towel mission at the moment and want something pretty but a bit different to the usual range of kitchen-themed motifs. The three towels above all have lovely subdued colouring and interesting patterns (and lots of green, which, as you know, is my colour of the moment), and look lovely and fresh for summer. Read on to find out more...
We've had eBay roundups on Lovely Things before, and when I was noodling around on Craigslist today, I saw a few items worth mentioning in the furniture listings. I actually rather want all these items myself, but as I've recently moved, I'm trying to shed furniture, instead of buying new pieces, so best I share these finds with you!
I'm a big fan of chunky rustic tables, and this French country-style wooden table is a great price at just £150. The honey colour and the big wide planks are very attractive, and it would make a lovely kitchen table if you have the room. Collect from Notting Hill, London.
Continue reading "Craigslist roundup: table, wicker chairs, vintage metal drawer unit" »
Our posts on Zara Home are some of the most popular of this blog, and the one showing images from the Zara Home catalogue for Autumn/Winter is still going strong. But as we've been enjoying quite a bit of sunshine lately, it's about time we take a look at the Spring/Summer 2007 pictures.
This season is all about white, though still retaining the shabby chic/crumbling opulence influence that we saw last season. Some of the images look a little more 'Winter white' than summery, but the overall effect is very glamorous and looks like it would keep you very cool on a hot summer's day.
There were so many lovely pages in the catalogue that I had real trouble choosing just a few to show you, so click on the link below to feast your eyes on quite a handful of drool-eliciting rooms...
Fancy a retro cocktail hour? I think there's something very civilised, if a little Bondian, about getting dolled up for a fancy drink before dinner. To help you get into the spirit (see what I did there?), hang this cute pink metal airline lounge sign (Rex £3.95), and pretend you're about to embark on a glamorous trip filled with exotic intrigue.
I've been on the hunt for a pretty asian-inspired ceramic cannister for the bathroom ever since my poor mother picked up the lovely crackle-glazed one I had, not realising the lid just sits loosely on the top, and smashed the lid to smithereens (she was mortified). This one might just do the trick, with handpainted birds and floral details. It's 10 cms tall and £15 from Accessorize.
I thought it was appropriate to start the new year with something sweet (did you overindulge during the festive season? I did). If you're going for the shabby chic look, or want a girly touch in the kitchen (hmm, that sounds ruder than it was meant to), these fairy cake/cupcake decorated items would be just the thing. The hook comes in four different designs and is made of metal (£2.95), the cute 'tea & cakes' placemats are laminated for easy cleaning and cork-backed to protect your table (£8.95 a set of four), and if you want to go all out, how about using these paper napkins as well (£1.95 for a set of 20).
I haven't done an ebay roundup for a while, but previous posts on shabby chic furniture from ebay have proved to be very popular (and if there are other roundups you'd like to see on Lovely Things, please leave a comment to let us know). While the traditional shabby chic look with lots of white and light colours always seems more of a summer style to me, I know there are lots of you completely in love with shabby rustic charm, no matter what the season. Today we're focusing on some very nice pre-loved painted chests of drawers...
Continue reading "Ebay Watch: Shabby Chic Chests of Drawers" »
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
Laura Ashley has a range of offers on at the moment including up to 30% off on homewares, and three-for-two on a range of gifts and accessories. I love their casual dining tableware like this pretty lace-detailed tumbler at £4, available in pink and blue. The pink is currently sold out on the website, so if you think it's the perfect gift for someone (even if that someone is you!), pop into a store.
Our feature on pink appliances for your kitchen is one of our most popular posts - people just love that colour! And of course, as I am here only to serve our lovely readers, I just had to show you a few fabulous pink colanders that have caught my eye...
Clockwise from bottom left: Maxwell & Williams light pink colander
Related: Lovely Things: Vintage Style | Pink kitchen appliances | Ingenious chopping board
