A lot of people fancy themselves as interior designers. Armed with a couple of swatches and Heal’s look book, they think there’s not much more too it than picking a few nice products. But then you meet a true professional such as Adam Bray, who understands the complexities of the colour, the subtleties of shade, and the difficulties of dark corners, and you realise just how big a job it is. Having worked alongside Annie Lennox, Lucian Freud, ...View more
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Posted by Pip McCormac
July 20th, 2011
Best known for her modern, relaxed approach to her botanical, geometric and romantic designs, Amy’s portfolio includes printed fabrics, home accessories and fashion and craft products, which are sold worldwide. Read about her favourite things here…
'I’m always looking for new inspiration and blogs are a great resource for me. I can get lost for hours looking through the amazing images I find online. ACHICA Living is one of those blogs that is full of great resources and inspiration, so when they asked me ...View more
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Posted by Amy Butler, Designer and Artist, Guest Blogger, ACHICA Living
July 14th, 2011
Looking for the perfect gift for a newborn? It seems that everyone I know/see is pregnant at the moment, but perhaps it's just because it's summer that I'm noticing it more. But if you're like me (who's just become an aunty again) and need some gift ideas, then these pretty bouquets from BabyBlooms could be ideal. An alternative to sending fresh flowers, BabyBlooms adorable arrangements feature reversible baby hats, sleepsuits, baby bodysuits and baby socks, finished with silk foliage and flower...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
July 14th, 2011
Creative duo Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway are bringing their fun-filled Vintage festival back this year and here at ACHICA Living, we can't wait. Inspired by the 1951 Festival of Britain, Vintage brings a wonderland of music, fashion, film, art, design and culture from the 1920s to the 1980s to 2011. And this year the festival is being held at London's Southbank Centre.
Over three days, one of the world’s greatest pieces of mid-century architecture is being treated to a 60th birthday suit: Royal ...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
July 14th, 2011
Did you get a chance to make it to the lovely Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2011? If not, you can browse some of the beautiful show gardens here. It was great fun wandering around and hanging out in the foliage with the legend that is Sir David Bellamy (now there's a statement I never thought I'd be able to make). So...when the show is over and all that's left is a single piece of tumbleweed blowi...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
July 13th, 2011
Can a chair be delicious? With their fresh and fruity colours and vibrant forms these chairs certainly look good enough to eat. The beautiful chairs are created by James, an award-winning contemporary British furniture brand, set up by designers James Harrison and James Kinmond. The talented duo bring a modern twist to old classics with their unique designs, using beautiful hard woods, such as walnut, and bold upholstery. A truly British company, all products are responsibly sourced and handmade in t...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
July 12th, 2011
ACHICA Living meets Margarita Lorenzo from London-based boutique homewares and accessories brand chocolate creative. Her stunning hand-made range combines traditional skills such as cross stitch and embroidery with silk-screen printing. Inspired by traditional crafts, antiques and vintage textiles, Margarita Lorenzo's range includes cushions, prints, bone-china mugs, tea towels, tote bags and accessories, which you c...View more
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
July 8th, 2011
Calling all gardenistas: If you missed the Chelsea Flower Show and haven’t got time to make it to Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this year, frown not - there’s still time to get in your wheelbarrow and whizz to the north of England’s greatest garden party - the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2011. ACHICA Living has teamed up with the RHS to offer one lucky winner two tickets for ‘Members Only’ day on Wed 20th July and a year’s RHS membership.
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Posted by Emily Peck, Editor, ACHICA Living
July 8th, 2011
Being an interiors stylist is mostly about lugging chairs around shoots and packing up returns in mountains of bubble wrap. But sometimes, the job is as far away from real work as you could possibly imagine – specifically, at the twice yearly annual shows, where all the stores display their wares for the following season. Traipsing round the collections, viewing products a full six months before they appear on the high street, it’s a chance to window shop, to spot trends and, most importantly, to...View more
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Posted by Pip McCormac
July 8th, 2011
David Nicholls, the design editor of Telegraph Magazine, on how the tea towel has evolved from cup drier to artist’s canvas…
According to the modern-day journalist’s primary source of information – namely, Wikipedia – 'the mistress of the house in 18th-century England used a special linen cloth to dry the precious and expensive china that servants were considered too ham-fisted to be trusted with’. Thus the...
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Posted by David Nicholls, Design Editor, Telegraph Magazine
July 5th, 2011
