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Chelsea Flower Show 2013
A round-up of some of our favourites at this year’s centenary show…
David Harber‘s intriguing ‘Coluna’ structure made of copper discs.
The new Triptych planter in zinc from A Place in the Garden.
Step back in time…Horticolous Landscape & Garden Design celebrate one hundred years of British horticulture (through the door was the present day, with modern technology and plants).
Birmingham City Council celebrates the opening of the Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest public library. This display illustrates ‘Birmingham Blitz’ a book by the Birmingham writer Annie Murray.
David Austin Roses have launched a new Garden & Home range with pretty rose-patterned china, handmade clear vases, stationery, toiletries and garden tools.
The Miracle-Gro’wers 1940s Garden includes flowers and vegetables that were commonly grown in domestic gardens in the 1940s.
Cath Kidston’s ‘Coming up Roses’ retreat.
The interior, designed as a studio in which to create her own ideal rose.
Artist Rob Ryan’s ‘A place to Work and Dream’.
The interior of Rob Ryan’s summerhouse, with thoughts and ideas covering every surface.
See all the other Artisan Retreats at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show on The House Directory’s Pinterest page.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show – A centenary celebration
A new book, published to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the most prestigious flower show, includes some fascinating photographs, plans and posters from the Royal Horticultural Society archives.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, A Centenary Celebration (by Brent Elliott, £25 from Frances Lincoln) looks at what makes Chelsea special, how it has reflected tastes in garden design and planting over the years, and what it means to the nurserymen, designers, organisers, visitors and patrons involved in it. The book is arranged chronologically, with chapters on the early shows, shows between the wars, and decade by decade to the present day.
Queen Mary with entourage at the first Chelsea Show, 1913, looking at a rock garden. She is flanked by the RHS President, Lord Grenfell, and, with his hat in his hand, George Whitelegg, the designer of the rock garden.
Rose Uniacke opens new shop
Rose Uniacke has redesigned and extended her pared-down and elegant shop on Pimlico Road. In the light-filled rooms she combines an eclectic mix of antiques with bespoke pieces to create elegant and comfortable interiors. A spacious studio below acts as the creative hub for the expanding interior design side of her business.
On the large 17th century walnut refectory table are some of Rose Uniacke’s cashmere blankets. The range is exclusive to her, and available in different sizes, colours and textures.
The ‘Dodecahendron Pendant Lantern’ designed by Adolf Loos (1870-1933) hangs above an elegant antique sofa upholstered in grey velvet. Also visible is a ‘Right-angled wall light’ designed by Rose Uniacke, available in four different metal finishes, and with clear or frosted glass.
Rose Uniacke installed the elegant staircase which leads down to the basement.
These occasional tables with wrought iron hoof feet are available with tops in different materials.
The practical Drapers’ table with boarded oak top can be made in any dimensions and finish. The set of eight mahogany and leather dining chairs were designed by Kaare Klint (1888-1954).
Rose Uniacke is at 76-82 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8PL. Tel:020-7730 7050 www.roseuniacke.com
Plain English colour collection 2013
Plain English Design have just launched a new collection of ‘colours for cupboards’ available exclusively to their clients. The palette of twelve colours, developed by interior decorator Adam Bray and stylist Sue Skeen, have some great names: ‘Rice Pudding’, ‘Woollen Flump’, ‘Boiled Dishcloth’ and ‘Pretty Pickle’.
‘Hallway’ by Plain English with bench seat painted in ‘Inky Nib’; walls painted in ‘Scullery Latch’ ; scullery painted in ‘Army Camp’.
Larsen 2013
Larsen‘s 2013 Collection focuses on two distinct themes: a sophisticated ‘haute-couture’ collection with chic metallic effects, inspired by the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age in the 1930s, and a graphic and architectural look with vibrant colour contrasts.
These glamorous sheers are ‘Carson’ and ‘Crenshaw’.
The Spring Decorative Fair highlights
The Spring Decorative Fair is on this week in Battersea Park. Always popular with decorators, it’s a great source of painted furniture, Gustavian & Swedish design, 20th century design, lighting, accessories and named-design furniture, and excellent mirrors. Here are some stands that caught our eye…
An early 19th century French confiserie cupboard filled with original sweetie packaging. It’s £7,500 from Appley Hoare.
Nonsuch Palace
This delightful fabric, Nonsuch Palace, is based on an original 18th Century English block print, and depicts Henry VIII’s magnificent Nonsuch Palace which only survived 150 years and then acquired almost mythical status.
Colourful Spring accessories from Urbanara
The latest (beautifully photographed) Spring look-book from URBANARA features these lovely accessories in an array of bright colours. This online brand specialises in high-quality home furnishings in natural materials sourced from around the globe, direct from local suppliers. All of them are very resonably priced too.
This ‘Cavaillon’ tablecloth is made in Lithuania. The textural look and feel of the natural fibre (it’s 100% linen) looks great with the delicate hemstitch border. Choose from neutral white, brown or a white/brown blend, £55 for the 130 x 170 cm size (available in a larger size too).
Irving & Morrison
Interior and fabric designers Carolina Irving and Penny Morrison have transformed a storage container at The Gas Works, off the New King’s Road, into the prettiest showroom for their lampshades, ottomans and cushions made using fabrics collected from around the world.
Fermoie’s new shop
British textile company Fermoie has just opened a lovely new showroom in London, just off the Fulham Road in the heart of the ‘Brompton Design District’.
