Under The Sea

Much like I'm fast falling in love with Jonathan Adler's designs, I'm also totally in love with Thomas Paul and his beautiful products.

I've blogged about Thomas's cushions before when I mentioned his gorgeous Russian doll design and I love this seahorse design too. 

Seahorses, to me, are magical creatures and make great motifs for home wares but I also learnt something really sweet about them today. 

During courtship (which lasts a couple of days) they hold tails as they swim along with their chosen mate, and as everyone knows, the male seahorse is the one who gives birth. 

Something that's definitely going to get the vote amongst female cushion buyers...

Disco Fever

The great thing about blogging is you get to read other people's blogs and take inspiration from them. 

I definitely have to name check my friend Roh Roh and her blog The Beat That My Heart Skipped because if she hadn't received all her Christmas presents this year, then I wouldn't have known about Jonathan Adler and his great cushions. 

Jonathan produces a number of needlepoint cushions, now I know what you're thinking, needlepoint = grannies = fusty, pastoral scenes or even worse Home Sweet Home signs...

...not true with Jonathan's quirky designs, like this cool as retro Studio 54 ticket cushion. 

Jonathan also designs pottery, lighting, rugs and furniture (check out one of his very special chairs on Chairs Chairs Chairs really soon) 

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.