]]> http://liveliketheboy.co.uk/2012/05/27/beautiful-pink/feed/ 0 liveliketheboy Media_httpdistilleryi_gxmbb http://liveliketheboy.co.uk/2012/05/21/crush-cube/ http://liveliketheboy.co.uk/2012/05/21/crush-cube/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 12:01:17 +0000 liveliketheboy http://liveliketheboy.co.uk/?p=2298 Continue reading →]]> 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?

Some of you may know I work with and for a few different people, one of them is A White Room; a contemporary furniture supplier where I am in charge of media, marketing, styling and much more. There are some great perks to being involved with lots of different employers because you hear about things you may have otherwise missed! One Thursday evening I was invited along to see the launch of a brand new show house on an exclusive development in the Fixby area of Huddersfield, Delamere Gardens.

I see A LOT of houses and whilst I respect and admire all kinds of personality in interiors I do love it when you see something special. The attention to detail in this property is second to none, there is no patching up, no after thought just pure, well planned perfection. Mark Lee and Emma Cockroft of ONE 17 Design have made pure brilliance in living, a house that responds to the demands of modern living whilst dictating vision and futurism for a happy lifestyle.

The house is not flexible, its not meant to be, it has areas dedicated to formality and leisure as well as the comfort, practicality and casual nature we desire for the weekdays. Number 8 is on a sizeable corner plot, ok the garden was mounds of earth but if its planned to 10% of the point of the interior it will be an orchestrated example of modern British garden space. Coming from Pendle where we have a lot more green space than is common I would have liked to have seen more views from the house for the (considerable) price tag.

With vistas from room to room which bring the space together whilst decorating those views with built in furnishing the house is beautiful and practical, Delamere Gardens is proof that when Architects with vision rather than developers with greed design buildings you get homes not houses. I have seen other builds by One 17 Design and if I had the money I would bite their hands off for one of their properties, just see for yourself!

A single piece of furniture re-upholstered in Chiang Mai fabric can really transform a room. This cozy setee makes a a bold focal point in this dining room.

The elegant blue and white colour palette in this bathroom is simply lovely. An ornate mirror frame and modern wall sconces fit in perfectly with such an active wallpaper.

A charming pair of Chiang Mai fabric lamp shades pick up on the organic shapes of the framed botanical prints. The bright pops of colour are just what an all-white room needs.

This rustic, modern living room features a beige colour palette that creates a wonderful canvas for brightly patterned pillows and throws. The Chiang Mai patterns contrast beautifully with the black and white geometric pillows.

These classic Louis style dining chairs were given new life thanks to a crisp white paint color and Chiang Mai pattern. Such an unexpected touch adds a brilliant twist to this kitchen table.

The Chiang Mai curtains add brilliant personality to this elegant living room. A classic ceiling light gives the room a bit of sparkle, as well.

The Chiang Mai ottomans are the perfect pieces to complete this bright and airy living room. The blue and white fabrics throughout the room create a chic, cohesive interior design.

A vintage table lamp and lime green headboard blend beautifully in this elegant guest room. The bright oranges and greens from the Chiang Mai wallpaper add a definite pop of cheery colour.†Images†1†|†2†|†3†|†4†|†5†|†6†|†7†|†8

What do you think of Chiang Mai patterns? Let us know in the comments! And be sure to stop by our site for a brilliant pendant light or wall sconce to brighten your home!

Who said that traditional shops with traditional industries are a thing of the past? If you head down to Hebden Bridge (1 of my favourite haunts) you can visit one of the most inspiring traditional shops, a milliner!! Hat Therapy is a gem of traditional industry but with a real modern and fashionable edge. The shop would not look out of place amongst the chic boutiques of Paris, with its chequer board floor and quaint display, this a place where women with a penchant for headwear make their pilgrimage and pay homage to their master. Chrissie who owns Hat Therapy and works away like a real trooper to bedeck the heads of beautiful people is a true craftswoman. Chrissie’s passion for fashion is only equally matched by her charm and care with her customers, you may come here for a hat but you can be guaranteed to leave with a hat and a smile on your face for you will have had one of the most generous of shopping experiences. If you time it right, its great to catch Chrissie mid-project and see her through the window (her studios at the back of the shop) as she pins and blocks and sews and embellishes… honestly its the stuff of magic!

I spoke with Chrissie about her shop:

1) Why and when did you start your ‘shop’, how long has it been running?

I opened the shop in Dec 2005 so have been open 6 years. When I opened I was 5 months pregnant [I never do things by halves] After working from home making hats I needed to find a place to work and live. I found the shop by chance after parking across the road.

2) Have you changed what you sell over the past year?

4) Do you have a style ethos in your shop or a particular style that you are trying to portray?

How bizarre to be faced with such striking similarities from breakaway (ie.not fashion) collections from two of our most famous high street brands? When French Connection recently launched their debut home collection I was pleasantly surprised and as it seems to have a very masculine and industrial concept (a favourable look in my book) immediately enamoured. Upon further scrutiny I was surprised by a striking familiarity between the lamp above left from the French Connection collection and the lamp above right from the Diesel & Foscarini collection. I am not for any moment suggesting that the French Connection lamp is a copy/homage to the Foscarini lamp, I am more pointing out the fact that both companies/brands/labels reached similar conclusions in their design of a floor lamp. It makes me wonder if we pitched a whole host of fashion labels against each other to design something for the home how similar the resulting designs would be. What do you think?

I spoke with the shop owner Lisa Chapman:

1) Why and when did you start your shop?

We opened the shop around 1990 and have been on the same block here on the corner of the factory building. How time has flown and the things we have seen!

2) Have you changed what you sell over the past year?

We are a lighting retailer really but over the past year we have introduced more gifts and homewares, it makes the shop look better and people really love the things we find so it adds to the shop look and atmosphere.

3) In terms of retail and dealing directly with the public what has been your biggest surprise?

Its great to have so many loyal customers and its humbling to be supported by the local community, its amazing how many people come back time & again for new lighting. We like to give everyone a cup of fresh coffee too whilst they browse so it really is like nipping round to your mates house.

4) Do you have a style ethos in your shop or a particular style that you are trying to portray?

Not really, our shop is so varied and is dependant on so many different products it would be difficult to have an ethos, we just like to try and present things in a way which is pleasant and appealing and we love seasonal windows.

The Factory Lighting Shop, Pendle St, Barrowford, BB9 8PH is open 10am – 5pm Monday-Saturday and features many special offers and discounts up to 70% off RRP