Fancy a teddy bear’s picnic in the garden? What do you need? Well, marmalade sandwiches I guess and some really cute chairs like these

The pink chair belongs to Kate. I had stripped and painted it months ago and the fabric was sitting there waiting for me to cover it. Then a client asked me to get her little girl’s chair upholstered when we were doing her bedroom so when I was sending it along (coincidentally in the same Primrose Hill Designers Guild fabric but a different colourway), I sent along Kate’s chair too.

I have to admit I squealed when I saw both chairs – I think they are gorgeous and I’m sure both little girls feel like princesses sitting in them.

By the way, if you are looking for  Designers Guild fabric we can order it for you if you are looking for something in particular, check out their website and then do get back to us if you would like help calculating how much you require or any pricing information.  Just use the contact form above to email us or feel free to phone.

Designers Guild launched 5 new furniture ranges this season

There’s Julep, described by DG as An evocation of a vintage chair that has grown into a small collection of pieces with slim, curved, float buttoned backs. The two chairs and individual bench sofa are all designed to be perfect for use in those areas of the home where space may be a little restricted.

Soho: This contemporary design achieves an architectural presence and provides maximum comfort with the latest filling techniques and internal steel frame. The show-metal underframe is available in a variety of different finishes which gives graphic line detail to both long and short sofas.
Gibson: This design was inspired by a simple twentieth century chair and developed into a unique range of furniture. The convex shaped front line detail is seen on all the chairs, daybeds and continues through to the oxbow shaped stool.
Brooklyn An informal and timeless design offering extreme comfort through an internal steel frame and the latest in high technology fillings. This sofa with its individual seat detail is available in two sizes and is finished with fully removable covers.

Cosmopolitan: Inspired by the classic chairs of the nineteen fifties, this small chair and sofa with geometrically buttoned backs is perfect for a variety of locations.

Which chair/sofa are you? I would like to see myself as the small Cosmopolitan chair with sleek buttoned back – in fact, I expect to see that in the mirror but unfortunately what looks back is more like an overstuffed Victorian Queen Anne armchair!

Seeing Mise’s post on Squint‘s very colourful furniture the other day, reminded me to post about Ginny Avison’s patchwork designs that looked stunning at Decorex this year.

Like Mise, I think I would be somewhat bemused sitting amongst it and I’m not so sure I could live with it, simply because it needs really clean lines within a room for it to work and hey, I’m a clutter queen at times but I do think they are gorgeous.  (Warning: you may need sunglasses!)

Ginny is a upholstery patchwork artist based in London. The fabrics used are Designers Guild, Romo, Casamance, Linwood and others.

And this is especially for all those chesterfield lovers out there.  The diamond design is a trademark of Ginny’s. The fabrics can be multi-coloured and as bright as you like or you can go for particular shades, for example, every fabric is of a different berry shade.

And if you feel like spoiling your cat!

And if you’d like to see colourful sofas in a room set, check out the photo below, the new Rythme sofa by Roche Bobois, covered in Missoni fabric.

 And last but not least, Silhousette armchairs in Tendresse leather

Tadhg, from Furnishing Distributers, was here recently, showing me the latest collections from Andrew Martin, Jab, James Brindley and Carlucci di Chivasso.  Chivasso has brought out the most stunning linens this year and I’ve thrown caution to the wind (recession, what recession?!)and ordered loads of their books and I’m looking forward to showing you some of their images whenever I get them. The books should arrive within the next fortnight. 

I had seen most of these new fabrics at Maison but it was lovely to sit down in peace and quiet, without being jostled and elbowed and look at all the different fabrics in my own time.  Here’s a few of my favourites from Andrew Martin’s new collection:

These chairs showcase leathers from a specialist leather and hide new book – this check pattern is really smart.

The fabrics below are beautifully textured and aren’t they striking and sophisticated?

Here’s the link to the Andrew Martin website if you wish to see more.

I have been meaning to write about furniture and soft furnishings designed by Joanna Lyle for ages and for some reason, never had enough time to do her justice.  She had an amazing stand at Maison – fabulous headboards, chairs and cushions on display.

This Delilah chaise is my particular furniture from all in her collections, I love its curves and elegance.  They retail at about €6,000 and can be covered in your own choice of fabric if you wish.

Joanna Lyle is a British designer and works in Italy.  The decorative motifs in the cushions and furniture below are produced by Swarovski exclusively for Joanna Lyle.  Each piece, be it a cabinet, sofa, bed-head or bed-cover is really high quality and can be customised for clients.

Roshiba Chair

These are perfect for our need for some bling in 2009!  And with so many collections featuring soft and muted colours this year, it’s great to see some funky pinks and oranges.

Jezebel cushions

And if you wish to see more, check out her website here.