Despite being named after an uncomfortable bed that was popular in the 1980s, The Futon Company sells a range of well-designed, attractive and good value furniture. The furniture is cleverly made to fit into small spaces; many items are streamlined, can be folded away or are dual purpose. The Oak lean-to desk above, priced £179, complete with shelves takes up less space than many others and the console table below,
J Irwin Miller's home in Columbus, Indiana, a modernist masterpiece designed by Eero Saarinen in 1953, opened to the public on the 10th of May 2011 following a three-year refurbishment. The house was gifted to the Museum of Indianapolis in 2008. Thanks to J Irwin Miller, Columbus is not your average mid-west town: it has over 70 buildings by noted modern architects with an elementary school designed by Richard Meier, a library
If for you holidays are escapes from the humdrum and the familiar how about booking your next break in a stone pineapple or pretending you're a Daphne du Maurier character in a sea lashed castle? The Landmark Trust is a building preservation charity which gives historic and architecturally interesting buildings new life as unique holiday accommodation. Its aim is to 'promote enjoyment of historic buildings by enabling as many people as possible
Trends in lifestyle and interiors come and go; each season heralds the next big thing whether its neon, folk or yet another outing for tartan. But some brands have transcended (or ignored) fashion to stand the test of time without Madonna-style reinventions. The three establishments featured here, all, coincidentally with a hippy vibe in common, are doing something they believe in without taking themselves too seriously. They offer cosy, relaxed interiors and all
Here's a taste of the distinctive work of award winning illustrator and frustrated skateboarder Stuart Kolakovic. Midlands born Stuart, a graduate of the Illustration course at Kingston University, is inspired and influenced by his Eastern European heritage. He has been commissioned by an impressive array of clients including Marks and Spencer, Ted Baker, Barclays, Sony and The Guardian and has taken part in exhibitions and underground ‘zines’, printing his own silkscreened posters and mini comics. You can
These limited edition cushions have been handmade for Avocado Sweet by the very talented Caroline Louden. Each one is unique and has been made using a gorgeous vintage silk square combined Scottish tweeds or cashmere in complementary tones. The contrast in textures is very appealing and they are perfect for adding a dash of quality and individuality to any interior. The cushions are £70 each and are available exclusively from Avocado Sweet.
Hazard a guess which country these interiors are from? Japan would probably be your last choice because its not the minimalist interior you expect and probably love. These photos are from an exhibition at the Geffrye Museum in London which aims to dispel the myth of the neat, minimalist interior by recreating everyday homes from Japan. At Home in Japan – Beyond the Minimal House runs until 29 August 2011. It
by Shane Dunning, Woodwinters Although clearly my invite got lost in the post I have it on good authority that William and Kate's guests enjoyed Pol Roger Champagne at their wedding reception on Friday. Pol Roger has a long association with the gentry of Britain, it was Winston Churchill's favourite Champagne and he enjoyed so much of their fizz that Pol Roger added a black border to the
Just forty miles from Edinburgh, deep in the Scottish Borders, is Roulotte Retreat, a collection of colourful, sumptuously furnished romany caravans encircling a little loch in a wildflower meadow. Yes really. The pretty town of Melrose is nearby but this feels like another world. Avril and Alan Berry first dreamt up the idea of a gypsy caravan retreat in 2008. From then it was a long quest to realise their vision of exquisite, quality holiday accommodation. 'We
Nicki and Martin’s beach wedding in East Lothian, Scotland shows just how relaxed and romantic the simple outdoor approach can be… And the bride wore white…rolled up trousers It shoulda been me!