10 Things for July
A monthly round-up of things that have caught my eye, from sofas and shoes to vintage treasures and new designers.
Oh how I have wanted to shop this month. Last year I made a pledge not to buy any new clothes - as much for my bank balance as for the planet - and while I largely succeeded (sometimes my work means I am given or lent outfits which has, of course, made it easier) it has meant that somehow this year I want to shop all the time in reaction. I’m mostly resisting but here are some things that have caught my eye and one or two of which I may now own.
SITTING PRETTY Astrid Sofa from Heals
This sofa has been sitting in the window of Heals on the Tottenham Court Road in London for the last few weeks. It stops me in my tracks every time. There is something joyous about a wide striped sofa. In summer it looks like a comfy deck chair but I think it would bring feelings of sunshine even in the depths of winter. I can’t speak for the rest of the world, but patterned sofas haven’t really caught on in the UK and yet it’s a really good way to bring character to a room. A busy floral sofa will hide all manner of stains, spills and muddy foot/paw prints while a stripe just looks bold and dynamic and happy. Keep reading for a great striped lamp.
A note on the styling - this has been done to emphasise the stripes - wall panelling, rattan chair, lamp and rug etc. You wouldn’t be quite so direct in your own home. Think instead of a floral or plain jute rug. Change the shape of the cushions to circles and rectangles to prevent it being a series of geometric straight lines and if you don’t have plants add a tall floor lamp to bring height.
TALKING OF CUSHIONS by Carlotta Oddone
Last month I had the pleasure of meeting the Turin-based interior designer Carlotta Oddone, whose home I had seen in a magazine and much admired. She is the designer behind the glorious Agora boutique hotel, where I stayed a few times during the house renovation, and she is developing a line of products. At the moment it’s not possible to buy in the UK (and we all know the reason for that) but if you are in the EU then do check her out.
She has also just added some rather gorgeous fabric lights which would fit in a suitcase. Choose from the wall mounted shade - pictured below or one that has the bulb mounted in front.
