Patchwork Dreams

I know I keep banging on about Twitter but it's gone from being something I was kind of interested in to something that's now becoming a bit of an obsession. 

It's a good job though, because without it, I wouldn't find out about people like @NestaHome

This gorgeous patchwork-inspired cushion is one of theirs (you can buy online a here)

And while you're there, why not pick up one of their stunning chandelier prints too. I know they're on my wish list. 

We need to champion people like this. It's true we need to support the highstreet (probably more now than ever) but we need to support independent, young designers too. 

Frankly, though, what with plans to buy all these cushions, rugs and chairs - it's probably a good idea my bank manager doesn't know about these blogs! 

Someone's rubbish...

...is someone else's treasure, so the saying goes and never has a truer word been spoken when it comes to these cushions.

After all, what would you think of doing with an old rice sack? Perhaps you'd throw it in the bin or if you were feeling particularly green, maybe recycle it. 

Well luckily for us, those clever people at Urban Outfitters have transformed used rice sacks into these brightly coloured cushions. 

We live in a throw away society (and a recession!) so making something out of nothing is all good in my book! 

Manhattan Dreaming

I've been day dreaming (yes, I know I meant to be looking for a job) a lot about NYC a lot recently. 

I fell in love with this most amazing city back in May last year when I spent an amazing five days there. You often hear people bang on about their "holiday of a lifetime" and this was definitely mine. 

The day dreaming has only been increased by pouring over the amazing Elliott Erwitt's New York book (bought as a Christmas present by my boy) Elliot's photography is amazing - in fact if you love NYC as much as me, I urge you to splash out on it. 

I was thinking about New York, when I came across this cushion by Snowden Flood. I love Snowden's work, in fact her cushions are among my favourites on this blog. 

And her Statue of Liberty design, is no exception. By the way, I cannot even begin to put into words the excitement I felt when I first saw this iconic landmark. 

So, in the absence of having the funds to travel over the pond, I'll make do with snuggling up with my New York cushion and book...

Twit Twoo

Apparently, owls don't actually go "twit twoo" but I'm not letting that bother me. 

How cute is this cushion? 

It's by designer Donna Wilson, who like me must be a bit obsessed with animals. She puts a whole host on her cushions and blankets, including this previously featured design 

I love this little fella in red but he's also available in green and blue 

Take On Toile

Toile, or to give it its full name, Toile de Jouy, is a pattern that traces its origins back to 18th century France. 

Traditionally known as a fussy pattern, which often depicts pastoral scenes, it's the mainstay of many a period home. 

In my opinion, its ok. I don't hate it, but it's not for my home either.

However, this version of toile I love. 

Look carefully and you won't see a maid milking a cow or a farmer working the land, no you'll see famous London landmarks such as the Gherkin and St Paul's. 

This clever interpretation is by Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons aka Timorous Beasties and as well as the London Toile cushions, this novel and perhaps thought provoking design is available as fabrics and wallpaper depicting Glasgow (where the design duo met) as well as London. 

We Are Family

K Studio is another great American find I've come across while tweeting. 

They sell a fantastic range of accessories, including cushions of course, all with hand drawn characters and figures. 

I adore this cushion from the Family Series. A complete family portrait if you will, and it so reminds me of a drawing a small child would do. 

Woof

Ok, I fully admit this cushion is a little bit mental but seeing though I'm a little bit obsessed with our canine friends, I just couldn't resist it. 

It's by American design company Fauna (available from Design Public) who make a wide range of animal printed homes accessories. 

They don't just stop at dog cushions, oh no. There's a cat, rabbit and even an elephant and zebra. 

Sadly, I'm not in a position to have a dog (not enough time to look after one and, well actually we're not allowed by our landlord) so I'm going to get one of these little fellas instead and prop him up on the sofa. 

I do know he's just a cushion though and won't be feeding him and taking him for walkies, honest...

What A Find

Twitter is wonderful. FACT. I dismissed it at first but can now find myself becoming slightly obsessed my it. 

For one, it gives me the opportunity to get my blogs (Chairs, Chairs, Chairs and Rugs, Rugs, Rugs) out there and it also leads to great finds like this cushion from amazing website H is for Home(follow them on Twitter @hisforhome)

I love the way it uses vibrant colours without being garish and the Scandinavian vintage fabric is just beautiful. 

Retro Revival

It's Friday the 13th and while I'm not a overly superstitious person, I've decided I'll stay in the warm and look for beautiful chairs, cushions and rugs. 

I'm actually really surprised that I've not featured one of Marimekko's cushions before. I adore this Finnish design company with all its stylish and quirky fabric designs and their shop on St Christopher's Place is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford St. 

It was really tricky deciding what cushion of theirs to feature. Should I go for the fun, giant pink flowers or the sophisticated monochrome design. 

In the end this retro Lumimarja design got my vote. I love it's colours and simple design and it reminds me of something I can't quite put my finger on but more importantly than that, it's perfect for my new living room, which as I write is having it's first coat of paint. 

A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Or in this case, three so the head for this posting doesn't really work but I couldn't resist it. 

Much like I couldn't resist this cushion from American company Dwell Studio. I love their twist on traditional Chinoiserie and simple yet very effective design. 

I also adore its hand painted quality. I'm having great fun at the moment planning new furnishings for my flat and this would be perfect. 

Dwell Studio have stockists in the UK but where's the fun in that? Especially when they've got a tonne of stockists in NYC. Personally I think I'll be heading Stateside to do my cushion shopping...

Call On Cupid

It's St. Valentine's Day on Saturday and whatever you think of it (the people I know opinions range from "waste of time, why do I need a day to tell someone I love them" to "but it's so romantic, we always do something") you can't ignore it; Hallmark et al wouldn't let you. 

So, in the spirit of things, I've decided to feature a Valentine's-themed cushion. 

It's not a slushy. fluffy, overly romantic design. Not covered in love hearts or even worse festooned with Playboy bunnies (I kid you not, type Valentine's cushion into Google and you'll see a lot of tat) 

No, my choice is this rather elegant, simple Je Taime. Designed by Jan Constantine and available from The London Cushion Company, it wouldn't look out of place in my newly decorate bedroom - hint, hint...

Ticket To Ride

I blogged about cushions from Bonjour Mon Coussin a while back and have resisted the urge for a repeat post but their designs are just too delicious. 

I've avoided their patisserie cushions (far too tempting when I'm trying to avoid all things sweet) and have instead plumped (excuse the pun, I couldn't resist) for their tickets cushion. 

Simply called Tickets (surely that should be billets - why give it the English translation, it sounds far more chic in Francais) it features prints of transport tickets from all over Paris. 

I love it because every single foreign trip I make I collect all the tickets from train journeys, museum visits and fairground rides (geeky I know) and promise myself I'll make a collage or scrap book when I get home. 

Of course, that never happens so I'm thinking Bonjour Mon Coussin could perhaps offer a bespoke service - now that's a good idea...

Amazing Alpaca

I wish I'd had these cushions to snuggle up to over the last couple of days. It's been freezing in my flat during the snow, which has meant layering up and having the central heating on full blast. 

Made of wool from Alpacas in Chile, they're available from One Eco Home, a favourite store of mine, who stock beautiful furniture and exquisite accessories all with an eco theme. 

The cushions are available in these gold and grey tones as well as whites, pinks and beiges.