A Preview Laura Ashley Spring 13

Last month I was invited along with Design Bloggers to see the new home furnishing collections by Laura Ashley for Spring/summer 13. It is a delightful collection of very pretty fabrics and sofas and chairs... and the lights were lovely.

I have always liked Laura Ashley furnishings, particularly the fabrics. There has always been good drawing for floral prints and the checks and stripes are balanced and made in linens and cottons. I  have recommended the fabric for drapes several times, the print, the scale just worked and luckily  it fit into the budgets. This new collection has a pretty and fashionable Chinoiserie print for bedding, a style that has been seen in many collections. And I love the lights.

Strings of Lights

The humble light bulb hanging from a wire. There was a time when that was considered the crudest and harshest light...Think of Blanche DuBois how she had to put shades over all the lights in Stanley's and Stella's apartment.
  
Today with the sophistication of lighting, the humble light bulb is more an aesthetic and design statement. Elemental, early light technology, simple, effective and illuminates the evening so we can continue to work and play.

A closer look at these bulbs is some new and more efficient filament encased in the glass bulb we have come to see a design classic.

These lights are from the new collection of home ware from Toast.. have a look at their other lovely things for the autumn / winter. Like the light hanging over a lovely bed...

  
 

Candles

Candles give the most flattering and kindest light. The flickering flame creates soft shadows and throws the most attractive light across our faces,  for that reason they are best in the dining room with lots of food and wine.

 

They also are a sign of celebration, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and this week is a year ago I started this blog.  It has been a journal and a journey, taking me to new places, learned new computer skills and met some lovely new friends. It is a way and a new tool to keep thoughts about work, museums and galleries I visit. It has become a part of the design process as I am able to share ideas about projects, work on color and pattern; it feeds my imagination.

I want to thank everyone, my family, my friends and readers all over the world for coming here. I hope you take away an idea, some inspiration and just enjoy some beauty, there is much out there. A little bit is good for us each day. I am planning over the next few weeks to redesign the blog and combine with my website, so change is coming. Thanks again, I always enjoy each comment.... all the best, Kelly.