Power Trip

I have a enormous affection for Batttersea Power Station, not just because I see this beast and well-known London landmark every time I travel from South London into Victoria.  Seeing it always made me feel like I was home when back from college in Falmouth and most importantly because my Grandad worked there. 

That was when it was a busy site supplying power to London but since 1983, it has lay dormant while property developers decide what to do with it. 

Its also become a popular image to put onto interiors products such as this cushion by Snowden Flood which I really, really like. 

Snowden has also put other iconic landmarks on cushions including the Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Taj Mahal. 

I think my Grandad would have really liked this cushion too and been proud to see his former workplace featured alongside such recognised landmarks. I know I am. 

Designer delights

Wow, two posts in one day, see I said there were loads of cushions out there to blog about. 

It's either that or I'm just looking for an excuse to use my beautiful new laptop.

And while we're on the subject of beauty, I happen to think this cushion certainly is that. 

Its by designer extraordinaire, Michelle Mason (you may know her for her exquisite cut work, felt rugs - which are also incidentally on my wish list) but she also designs, as this example shows, a number of stunning cushions. 

I think this one appeals because of  the retro pattern and also the muted tones of mustard, brown and charcoal - I've never been one for bright colours and with fabrics like this around don't see the need to start now! 

Watch the birdy

John Lewis is a national institution (and please let it be safe from the dreaded recession) 

From the hustle bustle of the Oxford St store to the calming, sophistication of Sloane Square's Peter Jones (hey, I am totally London-centric ) it has all the charm of an old fashioned department store while keeping it's finger firmly on the pulse. 

Which is why I was really please to find this cushion among the stock. It looks more like a art graduate's design, something you may find at Hidden Art and I think it's utterly charming. 

She's a model...

I love this cushion from Danish design company Ferm Living because it really ticks all my cushion criteria boxes: it's stylish, check; it's rather amusing, check and it's black and white, check (I do love a bit of monochrome)

In fact, I think I'm rather in love with all the cushions at Ferm. As well as the fashion design below, they also have a row of birds and a map of the world in this collection.

And then there are their beautiful silk cushions in beautiful teals, mustards and greys.

And best of all their available in the UK which means you don't have to take a trip to Copenhagen.

Best of British

A PR contact I've known pretty much since I started my career emailed me yesterday to wish me "best of British".

To be honest I didn't even know people used that expression past my Grandparents age but I kinda knew what she meant. It also reminded me of some rather attractive Union Jack cushions from The London Cushion Company

This one's my favourite, it's less about patriotism and definitely more about nostalgia, it reminds me of old post-war bunting used for street parties.

There's a whole host of designs available including a some what subtler flag cushion in whites and creams.

And now I've had a mad idea (could be a bit out there but bear with me it's quite early for a post) but how about for the next Proms everyone waves these instead of a flag...

Doing the Lambeth Walk, oi!

I've talked before about being a Londoner and a fiercely proud one at that and it's much to the amusement of my friends that I used to sing The Lambeth Walk at school instead of hymns.

I was reminded of it when I saw these cushions from brilliant interiors site Re

Inspired by Pearly Kings and Queens, these cushions are made from black velvet and just like the Cockney royalty's costumes are embellished with shell buttons.

Available in two designs: Good Luck or an anchor, I think they're a brilliant, tongue in cheek style statement.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to buy a couple for my kangaroo pouch...

All you need is love...

...well and peace, and that's exactly what you'll get (well not literally) if you use these cushions in your home.

These wordy offerings are from Rockett St George which (and I know I say this a lot) is one of my favourite places to shop for interiors.

I urge you to take a visit to the site as it's full of an array of delights that you're not going to find on the high street.

I'm resisting the urge to get all political about these cushions, after all this isn't a blog with an agenda for world peace, so all I'll say is this: I think they're lovely, I think they speak volumes and I think they'll be making an appearance on my sofa real soon.

Happy New Year!!