Beautiful finds, names you might not know and some of our favourite small, independent brands. Everyone needs a helping hand at this time. Keep them on your radar – they’re really special.

1. GARDECO - REGINA MEDEIROS CERAMICS

Gardeco is such a great place to find unique pieces from lesser-known designers around the world. I really love this collection of ceramics by Brazilian artist Regina Medeiros - the shapes and details are really beautiful.

2. MARTIN HUXFORD STUDIO - LIGHTING

These guys design truly outstanding lighting fixtures. We recently used this Reflect light for our Academy Gardens project and not only did it look stunning, but the team were truly lovely to work with.

3. NAOMI PAUL - CROCHET LAMP

I love the versatility of this crochet lamp. Their style is consistently elegant and sustainable - I'm looking forward to using this piece in our upcoming Antigua project. Watch this space!

4. SILK-KA - FLOWERS FOR LIFE

Silk-ka are a Dutch company who hand-craft the most beautiful silk flower arrangements. I came across them at the Maison&Objet expo and fell in love with the vibrant colours and the creativity of their displays. 

5. TIMOROUS BEASTIES

This design-led company makes the most exquisite and unique fabrics and wallpapers. Their creativity and mix of colours make for some really stunning pieces - definitely one to bookmark for when you're looking to make a statement. 

6. ABBOTT & BOYD

The range of different luxury fabrics available from A&B is huge and yet they all compliment each other so well. Their showroom is also well worth a visit - the displays make it delightfully easy to explore the colourways you are going for.

7. D'ARTS - LUXURY WALLPAPER

This brand designs the most beautiful bespoke printed wallpaper. Inspired by traditional Chinoiserie, each panel really gives the effect of being hand-painted. We worked with D'Arts on our recent Academy Gardens Project and were so thrilled with the results.

8. TOM FAULKNER - BESPOKE FURNITURE

From their studio in Wiltshire, Tom Faulkner's team hand-make some of the most eye-catching bespoke furniture. Often simple forms are used to create the most beautiful pieces. This stool is from their new California-inspired 'Papillon' collection - definitely worth checking out. 

9. TOM RAFFIELD - FURNITURE

The level of innovation and craftsmanship that goes into these pieces is really extraordinary. They use steam-bending to create incredible shapes (like this Amble Hanging Seat) and more importantly do all of this while keeping sustainability at the very heart of their work. Bravo.

10. DEIRDRE DYSON

These hand-crafted carpets and rugs really are works of art. I spotted this hand-knotted wool and silk rug from the 'Slivers' collection at an exhibition recently and can't wait to find a home for it in a future project.

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

DESIGNATE SOME SPACE

Don’t let the boundaries begin to blur and temptation allow you to set up your office in bed. Do assign an area designated for working. Be territorial if you must! Even if you have a small space and do not have the luxury of separate floors, this can still be achieved with some clever storage, spatial planning and revised layouts. I love creating zones to establish division between work and play. I find there are certain areas in my home where I cannot focus, and others where I can. Natural light is a big thing for me and I’m not comfortable with a desk facing a wall as I tend to feel claustrophobic. I know my focus is enhanced when I limit the background noise to a bare minimum. Work out what makes you comfortable and calm and arrange your space to work for you.

CREATE HARMONY, PEACE AND COHESIVENESS

Generally, there should be a perfect balance of calm and loud within design. Warm undertones, with lots of light and uncluttered symmetry instantly help to make a space feel balanced, interwoven with unique details, ornate patterns and sculptural aesthetics. It can mean bringing order to a living room or kitchen that may feel a little chaotic, while still keeping the space looking interesting. I love to travel [when the universe allows!] and always brin finds and objects home with me. Travelling creates important memories and inspiration, and integrating these memories add interesting layers to any interior. This also creates a sense of being surrounded by one’s favourite things and so brings security, fond memories and joy.

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Do set yourself up properly so you can relax into a proper routine; you need to have your calm and relaxation spaces to make sure work doesn’t take over your life. Away from your place of work, the possibilities for self-expression extend well beyond a small pot plant on your desk. With no colleagues to consider, you have the ability to relax and get comfy. Relish the freedom to open windows and allow fresh air in or crank up the heating; wear comfy, loose clothing and cosy cashmere socks; listen, or sing to your heart’s content, to your favourite 80s band or, like me, work in silence.

LET IN THE LIGHT

As much as you possibly can. If you are able to, try and position your desk next to a window for some much-required vitamin D. Light really is one of the most important aspects; it stimulates the mind and can completely transform the look and feel of a space.

THE GARDEN IS YOUR TIMEOUT AND A PLACE TO REFLECT

Schedule time in your day to get outside and connect intentionally to your mind, body and spirit: mindfulness, yoga, a workout or just a simple move-about. This breaks up the day and fresh air is so good for the soul – try and add this structure and routine to your day. If you are limited with outdoor space, do make a conscious effort to move away from your desk from time to time; it’ll help you to manage your energy which is important to keep the mind fresh and productive. Get up and take a walk, take the stairs, or take a lunch break away from screens. When outside temperatures become more favourable and it becomes more conducive to spending time outside, I’m going to move my workspace al fresco - I love to watch the flora and fauna go by.

ENJOY THE ENDLESS CULINARY POSSIBILITIES OF YOUR KITCHEN

Away from the office, unshackled from the tyranny of the same supermarket sandwich, enjoy the endless culinary possibilities being at home affords. Pick up those dusty cookbooks and plan healthy lunches to pick you up for an afternoon at your desk. I'm currently working my way through A Love of Eating: Recipes from Tart London; colourful, fresh and wholesome meals.

I tend to compare the design process to preparing a sumptuous meal. Each scheme is personal and unique to meet the client’s brief - combining different colours, layers and textures - so it’s just a question of gathering the specific ingredients for that particular palate, or palette, and away we go…

If you’d like to talk to Sarah and Rosie about an interior design project, don’t hesitate to get in touch, by email: 

hello@wardandco.com or by phone:​ 

+44 (0)20 3667 7796.

Outdoor space doesn’t have to be expansive in order to enjoy an alfresco lifestyle this summer. So if you’re fortunate enough to have found yourself a little back yard, bijou roof space or even a tiny balcony these design tips will help you make the most. Nowhere is the saying ‘small is beautiful’ more true than in a city garden. These design ideas will beautify your outdoor space and enable you to fully enjoy the warmer weather...

Raised beds. Wooden planters are all the rage and make for a chic, well-ordered small garden. Wooden planters elevate flowers, herbs or grasses by raising plants off the ground and are a super smart and effective way to instantly create a tidy wow factor. They also help to maximise ground space and can act as great privacy screens too. If raised beds don’t appeal then go for pots, pots and more pots! Other great planters are old chimney pots, baskets (lined with bin liners), large food tins having soaked off the labels, the more rustic the better.

Fairy Tale. There’s little more enchanting than strings of fairy lights criss-crossing a small outdoor area. Use weatherproof outdoor bulbs (the more retro looking the better) and instantly you will set a scene ready for music and cocktails.

Bring the inside out. Nothing can so dramatically create a romantic scene than furnishing an outdoor space. Comfy cushions, soft sumptuous throws, an Aztec rug, add flickering candles and a fire pit to create a homely heaven on a Summers evening.

Fake it. No more does faux grass have to look like a green grocer’s stall! In fact, much of it is so alarmingly realistic that mowers might soon disappear from our garden sheds. Moreover, it can be purchased off the roll at large DIY shops. Casual seating or squishy bean bags and pillows strewn around a patch of artificial lawn instantly creates a warm weather hub perfect for socialising.

Summer reflections. Don’t throw away that old fashioned hand-me-down mirror, rather lean it against a wall or fence to add instant impact. The use of mirrors in gardens, especially tiny ones, can dramatically create a sense of space. Place some pretty potted plants and a candle (alternatively bunch up a string of battery operated fairy lights) in front of it for even more impact.

On a budget? Nothing beats good old fashioned jam jars and a reel of florist wire! Tea lights now come in LED versions, flickering to boot. Hang them from branches, nestle them amongst the flowers and bunch them in groups on tables to frame a central one filled with daisies, Rose buds, buttercups and more. Likewise some of the best table cloths are actually old duvet covers (pillow cases make great central table mats!). Rummage through your linen cupboard, have fun with your colour schemes - there are no rules!