Lots of places are selling patriotic Union Jack bunting aimed at the Royal Wedding Street Party market, but I much prefer this Rob Ryan Bunting.
Each of the 15 flags feature one of Rob Ryan’s characteristic folk art style designs and they are certain to have a longer appeal than the more obviously wedding-themed designs. The bunting is sold in a drawstring bag, also decorated with Ryan’s whimsical images.
The bunting costs £25 from Heal’s.
For an innovative re-imagining of a period lampshade, look no further than Roost Living's Hand Knitted Lightshade.
Created by artist Rory Dobner, the lampshades are knitted on vintage metal frames, so no two are the same. Using grey cotton yarn, the cable stitch creates a soft texture and attractive twisting border to the shade. This in turn means that light is softly filtered and diffused to give a gentle effect.
The shades cost £120 each and you can buy them exclusively from Roost Living.
Find out more here.
New in at Ikea is the Kavalkad Saucepan, a modern non-stick pan with a midcentury look.
The lightweight pan is made from aluminium which allows heat to spread quickly and makes it easy to regulate, but what really attracted us to this was the outside design. The pan has been given a bright blue finish and decorated with a graphic floral design that is reminiscent of classic Scandinavian designers of the past such as Cathrineholm. It being an Ikea product, it is cheap too – just £4.99. Hopefully a full set of pots and pans will follow shortly.
Find out if your nearest Ikea has it in stock through the Ikea website.
Long before that Richard Curtis film, Notting Hill was cool and credible, not least because of the carnival. It was also the setting for Absolute Beginners and the films Performance and The Knack …and How to Get It.
With these cultural touchstones in mind, you might be interested in the collection of Vintage Notting Hill Gate Enamel Signs. There are three types available; large (75cm square priced £750), small (64cm, £65) or long (150cm by 21cm for £575). These are genuine vintage items so you can expect a few straps and scratches, but these should add to the character of the signs.
Buy them online at Pedlars.
Traditional English creamware has been in our homes for a few hundred years now and Big Tomato Company have once again brought ceramics bang up to date whilst sticking firmly to the craft's historic roots.
Made in England's ceramics region of Stoke-on-Trent, the Cross Stitch collection gives a nod to the homespun arts & crafts of yesteryear. The cross stitch motif, taken from an antique sampler, adorns an array of creamware, from tiny jugs and plates to mugs and teapots, making them equally suitable for display or everyday use.
The range starts from £9.95 and is available from the Big Tomato Company website.
We were already aware of Hans Bolling’s wooden ducks, so are delighted to see that his Oscar the Dog had also been reissued as part of the same Architect Made series.
Oscar was designed back in 1953 and whilst he has the same midcentury style as the ducks, he is an all together more sophisticated creature. Oscar can sit, crawl, stand or beg – just like a real dog, except this one has been meticulously crafted from beechwood, maple, wenge and brown leather. He stands at 13cm and costs £75.
Order Oscar online from Panik Design for delivery in May.
