The Eternal Optimist

Of course the normal saying is "Life is not a bed of roses" but I love this twist by Lulu Guiness.

Known more for her stunning handbags, Lulu also designs a range of bedlinen and accessories for the home. 

I reckon with all the doom and gloom around at the moment we could all do with a little more optimism and this cushion could be the perfect way to provide it. 

I mean, looking at this cushion is bound to do your Psyche more good than one that reads "life is shit" 

Botanic Inspiration

I might have the creative edge when it comes to writing (yes, I am blowing my own trumpet) but put a pencil or paintbrush in my hand and nothing creative happens.

Instead, little stick men emerge on the paper and not a lot else. In fact, all I'm capable of drawing is a plan of how I envisage a magazine feature looking. 

Anyway, it's for this sole reason that I really admire people who can draw. I'm not just talking artists here, but designers, architects and especially fabric designers are all high on my admiration list. 

Which is why I've always loved Clarissa Hulse's designs. She takes her inspiration from nature and transforms humble flowers, leaves and tress into botanical delights. 

There are loads of cushions to choose from (not to mention wallpaper, lampshades, bedding and more) but this Dogwood design is definitely my favourite. 

Liberty Taker

There's something magical about shopping at Liberty.

From its mock-Tudor facade to having its finger permanently on the style pulse, it's unlike shopping at any other department store. 

My favourite time to shop there is just before Christmas to see the beautiful displays and the bewitching Christmas shop. 

Known best for its Art Nouveau fabrics, Liberty has created a range of cushions that embrace this style period beautifully as part of the Liberty of London collection. 

I love this yellow version although the cushion is also available in fuchsia pink and blush. 

Right, that's sorted then, taxi to Regent St...

Festival Fever

It's great to feature international companies as well as homegrown ones and I found this cushion while browsing the fabulous American site Anthropologie.

Anthropolgie stocks a great range of fashion and jewellery, and thankfully an extensive range of products for the home. 

This Festival cushion (or pillow as they call them Stateside) really caught my eye because of its bohemian (still a hippy at heart) design and beautiful use of subtle golds, greens and greys. 

While Anthropologie doesn't have any stores in the UK just yet, you can buy them on line. Or you could (and this is my cunning plan) take a trip to New York and buy one in person. 

Fabulous felt

I love felt, in fact, its probably my favourite material of all time. 

Not only is it really versatile and warm but its available in an amazing array of colours. Ok, I confess my love of felt really comes from a childhood happily playing with Fuzzy Felt...

Anyway, it seems Selina Rose also shares my love of this fantastic fabric. She's created a whole range of products using it including coasters and table mats, hanging panels and rugs. 

Selina takes the felt and creates printed or cut work products all of which are beautiful. 

I've got my eye on the Botanica rug but while I'm saving the pennies for that one, I'll settle for a couple of cushions instead. 

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!