Pretty in painterly

It was when I recently visited the Anthropologie Autumn/Winter 2011 press show that I started to notice the emerging trend of painterly designs on cushions and ceramics. The visible brushstrokes display such a brilliant sense of artistic creativity and texture, which can look stunning in any interior be it traditional or modern. The more vibrant and abstract the design, the more fitting it will be to a modern interior. Simple floral designs however can look just perfect in a traditional or period interior.

Florence Rolfe, House & Garden Assistant Stylist, has picked out some truly stunning fabrics to showcase the vibrant painterly trend this month...

Here are some of the Anthropologie bits I love at the moment…

Painted Waterlily Tea Towel, £16

Homegrown Monogram Mug, £8

Fireworks Rug, £68 - £348

For sale in Atelier Abigail Ahern and Liberty are the painterly products of Bluebellgray, founded and designed by wonderful creative Fi Douglas. Recently featured in Elle Decoration (June 2011) I have no doubt her gorgeous accessories are selling like hotcakes. The website is absolutely gorgeous too, why not have a browse at her collection online. With already so much great press coverage in all the best interior publications, I predict big things for this talented young lady.

Cushions start from £60

I hope you enjoyed this trend spotlight - I'd love to hear of other trends you have started to notice popping up in product lookbooks or highstreets near you!

Spring pastels

Aren't these images just adorable! These collections of mint and rose coloured glass accessories look good enough to eat...



These beautifully styled soft and 'Springy' images were brought to my attention by Holly Becker at Decor8... You can find more images to this feature by visiting e-zine StyleCookie.

Christian Lacroix for Designer's Guild

This week I'm in love with Christian Lacroix's new fabric collection featured in this month's House & Garden magazine. The image below illustrates the stunning 'Vuelta' panel, from Lacroix's first collection of fabrics and accessories for Designer's Guild, inspired by flowers being thrown at toreros after bullfights in Southern France.


The printed cotton panel is available from £240 and measures 3000 x 1470mm; Designer's Guild 0207 893 7400 / www.designersguild.com.



To view more of the new collection by Christian Lacroix, you can visit Designer's Guild online.