Sometimes an idea is so simple that you think you’re missing something about it, but is that not what makes design so brilliant? When something is just what is needed for the job in hand no more, no less then it dispenses with frivolity and applied design. Crushcube is an example of something that I looked at and thought “but its just a cube” then I thought about it, yes we all make snap judgements! If you consider occasional furniture, the extra seat or side table that you need when you have guests or a party finding something that is useful and looks good is very difficult. Crushcube have filled that gap with an incredibly simple idea, a cube that can be used for a variety of purposes (mainly a seat) that is low level, doesn’t interfere with your overall interior, can be used in multiples and is also customisable! I’m not keen on the leopard print but thats personal taste and I would choose something to suit my taste when I order. SO if you like the idea you can order your very own Crushcube in your own colour way to match or compliment your interior! I have noticed a huge problem with the Crushcube though… kids are gonna love them, build them like giant lego, making dens, its not really a huge problem, its an added bonus of its simplicity. Coming very soon to CrushCube’s website will be a great interactive page so you can choose the finishing fabric on the cube, that will be so cool because you will se exactly what you are getting!! What do you think?

Why not head over and like Crushcube on facebook?

I’ve decided to sell some of the intriguing homewares I come across on a regular basis, if you like what you see simply click here and go to shop

I got involved with the Marni for H&M malarky recently and treated myself to a few pieces, I’ve always liked the simplicity, selective pattern and the geometric blocking of Marni design so the H&M collection was a great (accessibly priced) treat. Being involved in the industry of interiors and furniture, I was gobsmacked to see super cool, retro looking chairs from Marni, they have more than a hint of the Ernest Race styling about them but with a sort of miami, tropical feeling. Only problem is, they are gonna be more Marni price and less H&M price shame they didn’t do a Live Like the Boy collection really… I’d have gone for accessible prices

Isn’t it funny how coincidences seem to line up like dominoes waiting to be knocked down? I recently visited Spring fair in Birmingham on a research and buying mission on behalf of the various companies I work for and met the clever design company Block Design. A week later I got an email from Block telling me I had won a selection of their products in a competition run by Elle Decoration VIP club. I was impressed by their range of simple but brightly coloured homewares so it was an absolute treat to have won my own selection.

My standout favourite is the magazine rack, in its utterly palatable pastel colourways it slides seamlessly into our homes. The wire construction has an engineered appeal but the softened colour coating brings it back down to true domesticity.

The solid acrylic type design of the other products are not as modern as you may at first think, they hark back to art deco style solid chunky cut glassware but with much more colour. The table lighter may be an outdated concept but its got such appeal, just keep it for the scented candles instead of the fags! Maybe I’m just being nostalgic.

Mary Portas proclaims her love for Zara and their window displays on a regular basis. With a great fashion brand from a Spanish born company Zara in recent years expanded into homewares but not in a huge way in the UK but you can shop the whole collection online. I enjoy Zara’s approachable cool fashion but their homeware is actually less so, its not that its not beautiful and great quality and its even very cool and commits to trends with gusto. Its just that like the clothes there is an assumption (presume Spanish brovado) that we have the knowledge of how to style the pieces. A good window display can give us hints for sure and the fashion and styling conscious among us take it as a challenge to replicate looks and create our own bespoke visions of beauty. If Zara Home is to be as successful as its fashionable sister then it must give more pointers in how to style the items seemlessly into our home, a tip perhaps that it could take from its big British brothers like John Lewis & Marks & Spencer.

So From someone who knows, I have picked out just a couple of my favourite pieces, I know how I would style them, think along the lines of concrete, bleached woods, crisp white & taupe cottons and then a flash of colour from textiles such as moroccan weaves, ikat or even pastel coloured silk saris. A backdrop of deep dark grey will keep the accessories looking bright and shiny. As its open to interpretation what would you do?