Camomile : Childrens bedding

As any mama will know children's bedding is a hard thing to buy. The market is full of Pink and blue, princesses and trains, and although there is nothing wrong with these, I have succumbed myself, I was so happy when I found Camomile !!

camomile is a london based company set up by mother and daughter team Helen and Daniela Boleto, who have both previously worked in the fashion industry, and it shows. The colours are muted, the fabric and cuts stunning!!

All the designs and colours work really well together, which is great as pieces are sold seperatly and can be mixed and matched as you so wish!! I personally love the Hand quilted blanket in 'Golden' and the floral rings pillow case

Old News:19th century designs for satins and silk

 I have titled this post old news as that is exacatlly what it is.... images of an exhibition that ended a year ago!

However, I have only just found these pictures over at Spitalfieldslife and thought they were so beautiful they deserved a share.

All the images (and more) and the text below can be found over at the website

"Rodney Archer, the Aesthete of Fournier St, & his pal Trevor Newton, the Curator, have been busy again, lining Rodney’s magnificent old house with a collection of original French nineteenth century designs for satins and silk velours, created at the Lyons factory of Antoine Donat between 1840 and 1865.

Trevor came upon these designs in a long-abandoned silk mill and they have not seen the light of day since the eighteen-seventies which accounts for their vibrant unfaded colours. Each design is labelled on the reverse with the date and instructions for setting up the loom, and all are for sale – many for as little as twenty pounds.

It certainly makes a splendid display in Rodney’s blue and gold drawing room on the first floor – the one with Oscar Wilde’s fireplace in it – and since these houses in Fournier St were built on the income from silk weaving, it is difficult to imagine a better location to enjoy these rich and extravagant designs, glowing in the February sunlight ."

The Bohemian, Jewel Toned Home of.... Pippa Small

I love this wonderful bohemian jewel tone home of Jewelery designer Pippa Small. The two bedroom London apartment was a clinical white when Pippa moved in but she loved the place because of its sense of space and along with friend Gail Arnold, she set about transforming the place into the colorful home it is today.

On her travels for inspiration Pippa had built up a large collection of paintings, trinkets and textiles which she found worked perfectly with the bright coloured walls.

My favorite room is the sitting room, i love that blue/violet wall and that huge Indian painting. Such a dreamy exotic apartment.... would certainly cheer up a rainy British day!!

To see more images please visit The Interior Stylist

The home of.... Holly and Stephen

I love this London apartment tour from The Selby's archives. What I really love is that Marigold kitchen wall. I could do with a bit of sunshine yellow to counteract the overcast grey British sky!

The Houseboat of... Emma Freemantle

All Images from Daily Mail online

Emma brought this beautiful 38 ft narrowboat in 2011 having previously rented from its owners fro two years . The boat has been lovingly restored and showcases Emma's vintage fabric collection. The whole boat is beautiful but the kitchen and bathroom are really gorgeous arent they?

The multifunctional living/dining space is at the far end of the boat. A table and two fixed benches softened with bolsters and cushions in a mix of new and old ticking are usually put to work as Emma's dining area and work space - tools, fabrics, paperwork and sketchbooks are stowed under the seats. 'The space is easily reconfigured by lowering the table top to form a platform daybed,' says Emma. 'It's great for when friends come over: we all slip off our shoes and sit chatting and eating.' The red vintage fabric wreaths are from Emma¿s latest collection

Of boat life Emma Says...

‘One of the best things about living on water is the effect it has on you. I’m immersed in the elements from the moment I wake. Nature is so close; I’m aware of the light, the sunshine, the wildlife – it’s all on my doorstep! I see the seasons change in front of me, and slowly but surely the wood burner gets turned off. Another joy of living here is the people: we are a very close community, I know all my neighbours and we share.

‘I suppose I could live in a much easier way – maybe I’ll look back in years to come and wonder how I did it, but right now I don’t mind the niggles: changing the gas bottles, topping up the water tank, the upkeep of the external paintwork.
The water could be hotter, and I could do with a bit more space – when I stretch my arms out, I can touch the sides. For now though, it’s my perfect floating gypsy caravan, and I hope it will stay in my family for ever.’

To view the whole interview and see more of Emmas boat visit here 
 If you would like to see more of my HouseBoat posts visit here

The Home of...Xochi Balfour

The Naturalista's Xochi Balfour at home in London

 Isn't this London studio apartment of healthy cook Xochi great? So minimal and unlike anything I could achieve with all my clutter... I wonder if Xochi has a hidden room full of crap too!!

When it comes to decorating, what’s your secret and magic?
I like to see my home as a blank canvas against which I can express my interests and experiences. I love traveling and this is always reflected in my style both at home and in my wardrobe. I crave colourful things and am always drawn to vibrant patterns and textures. Keeping my walls and floor white lets me bring all the treasures and talismans I like into my home without it feeling too busy. I also think a place looks best when it’s really lived in: when I first moved in I wanted everything to be perfect and just so, but not many of us can live the minimalist life and I love my home space more and more as my things are properly used and lived with and find their own place there. Real memories and experiences shouldn’t sit in a glass cabinet all their life…

Xochi is the owner of blog The Naturalista

Images and full interview available at Free People Blog

The home of... Artist, Louis Masai Michel...

The London Home and Studio of Artist Louis Masai Michel

This converted warehouse apartment is the  London Home and studio of artist Louis Masai Michel.

LOUIS MASAI MICHEL grew up with Afrocentric artefacts, voodoo dolls and living what many other children read about in storybooks. His father was born in a mud hut in Cameroon, in northwest Africa, and was the only white child in the village.

Louis’ grandfather, a Dutch geologist, travelled across the world with his work and his family followed him. This meant, for Louis’ father, being raised in the African and American continents. This heritage has forged within Louis a strong connection to Africa and its many animals.

Louis’ parents met at art school and eventually became restaurateurs. Louis picked up both art and cooking skills from his parents and they are serving him well......

To read more about Louis read the full article here at Slanted Mansion