- Flynn Oval dining table Graham & Green
Pedestal tables are about to have a moment. For years they have been dominated by the classic Tulip which is out of financial reach of most of us (but do look for the vintage Arkana version by Maurice Burke) and now they are springing up everywhere. The issue is that most are round which, of course, can take up a lot of room so I’m showing you this because it’s oval and might be easier to accommodate in your space. It’s 150cm by 118cm and made from Acacia wood with a black finish which also means it will go with any chairs you happen to already have.
- Rolland armchair Soho Home
Oh I know I know it’s expensive but just look at it. It’s curvy, it swivels and it’s absolutely the piece that will nail the room. Keep the sofa plain and unassuming – in oatmeal – and add vintage furniture (check the charity stores to save the money you’ve spent on the chair) and love it for ever. Two is nice but you can have one and pair it with a plain black chair for contrast. It’s more versatile than you think and you will love it forever. I know I would.
- Mushroom Shaped Pink Table Lamp Rockett St George
Inspired by the classic Murano lamp which has been popping up on Instagram all summer this is a more affordable version and is very versatile. It will bring a soft glow to a bedside table and gently illuminate a desk (not if you need to do hours of graft but for a quick admin session it’s enough). Or stick it in a kid’s bedroom where the mushroom shape will bring a sense of 70s retro fun. There’s a rule to buying clothes which is that you must think of at least three outfits you can make with each new purchase – you can do the same with interiors and this lamp will fit in every room so it’s worth the investment.
- Mio Oyoy Washtub Made
If you belong to the rattan basket brigade and feel that you can always find a use for them then this is for you. And if you want something more modern than rattan then this is for you too. It’s a washing up bowl but at 37cm in diameter you can use it as a repository for small toys, keeping all the light bulbs or cables together in the cupboard, or just for throwing all the pens, change and general STUFF in at the end of the day before you can quite face sorting it out and it gradually takes over the whole worktop.
- Noya Vintage Desk with Rattan Panels La Redoute
If your home office has to multi-task with another room or you live in a student bedsit then a desk with a natural screen is a brilliant idea. The rattan panels are on trend but it also means, if you position it right, that you can hide your work away at end end of the day without really having to tidy up or put it away as the panels will disguise it all for you. The panels are reversible so you can adapt to suit you and means you can also move it to different rooms and different layouts should the need arise.
- Junius Walnut Linoleum Desk La Redoute
This desk appears to be 50 per cent off at the time of writing (reduced from £1,100) so if you like it you better move fast. The styling is super simple and classic so it will work in a sitting room – add a pretty lamp for the evening and slide a laptop and paperwork into the drawer – or in the bedroom where it can do double duty as a dressing table. It’s made from walnut – move over oak we’re all about this darker pinkier tone now – with a lino top,which is made from linseed and therefore natural and sustainable. There is also a removeable cable location spot. This might be an investment but it will travel happily round several rooms in the house so you can use it forever
- Gingham check duvet cover Mango
Checks are taking over the world one square at a time but it’s an easy pattern to incorporate with whatever you have already so you can mix and match. Gingham, is, of course, the classic and this will sit prettily with plain sheets and pillowcases or you can add a a plain burnt orange set or even anything floral or striped in similar colours.
- Dustpan and brush set Zara
New term new broom and all that and if you have to do a boring job you may as well do it with a beautiful instrument. I have something similar that hangs on a peg in the pantry (grand word for small cupboard storing dried goods and cleaning stuff) and it’s much more efficient than the the dustbuster and, of course, only uses your own energy.
- Jonah garden lounge set Made
This, as far as I am concerned, is the best garden set out there. I own it in grey (wish it was this natural colour) and it has a) been outside for nearly five years and is still in mint condition and b) revolutionised our use of the garden as it’s so comfortable it has turned the patio into an outdoor living room that we use almost as much as the indoor one in summer. Garden furniture is often square, boxy and ugly and that’s before we get to uncomfortable. The key to this is that it’s an outdoor version of an existing indoor model so you know it’s going to work. And now you can buy it as a complete set which makes it a very good deal.
- Layered candles Graham & Green
It’s no longer acceptable to stick a plain white candle in a stick and hope for the best. Serious interiors people look for different colour and shapes and while I’m not one for hopping on a bandwagon these pretty sculptural candles will look great on a shelf. So pretty, in fact, you might not even want to burn them. They would make a great gift too.
- Zara x Vincent Van Duysen side table 03 Zara
Zara has teamed up with the Belgian designer Vincent van Duysen for a collection of timeless investment pieces that perfectly unites their pared back minimal style. The pieces aren’t cheap but, as they are classic in style, they will last for ever and should prove worth the investment. On that basis I would choose one of the wooden items or an accessory so they won’t wear out although, of course, if you love the sofa it can always be reupholstered in time. I love the sidetable although the price can shoot up pretty fast as you add different pieces to it.
- Atticus brass wall sconce Graham & Green
If you adhere to the principle that wall and ceiling lights are the earrings and necklaces of the home (and it’s a good principle) then this is a good investment. There’s a good chance the wall lights will be on at best 50 per cent of the time so they need to look good the other 50 per cent. These are decorative and will catch the light in a dark room and glow like jewellery on a darkly painted wall, whichever room they are in.
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