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.

A few promises I made, skills to learn, things to watch, books to read... now is the time and no more excuses.

• Vera G. & O. Buratti Armchair

I love the solid canaletta walnut – this chair will work in most nooks and is a perfect spot to nestle into a good book for the afternoon. Put a beautifully scented candle on and feel enveloped in goodness.

• How to Fail by Elizabeth Day

I’m about to dive into How to Fail. I’ve listened to her incredible podcast where she shares lessons from the challenges in her own life and those of famous interviewees. It’s a necessary staging post on a journey towards greater success. I’ll let you know my thoughts…

• Byredo Rose Rinse Free Hand Sanitiser

Very much like how my mother and I operate, the Byredo founder draws inspiration from his exotic travels to create the label’s cult perfumes. Formulated using a select number of raw ingredients, each fragrance tells a story. This rose hand wash gently washes and cleanses the hands while divinely scenting them – Clears away bacteria and rinse free, so you’ll not need to touch tap!

• Raey Oversized Knitted Cashmere Hooded Sweatshirt

This heavenly knit will keep my spirits up whilst I work from home. I love the minimalist aesthetic, shaped to an oversized silhouette. It’s crafted from purl-knitted cashmere, then finished with dropped shoulders and rolled edges. I’m planning on dressing it up with leather trousers…soon!

• A Love of Eating: Tart London

Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones are the inimitable pair behind Tart London. I’m working my way through this and I can honestly say, everyone’s a winner! It’s absolutely fuss-free and I’m on the 11th recipe, a different one each time. Colourful, fresh and wholesome meals to share and enjoy, always with a fun and fuss-free attitude. The Summer butter bean stew with almond sourdough breadcrumbs and feta is glorious.

• We Are Tea: Protect

Two of my friends founded this ethically sourced brand on a holiday in Budapest. The Echinacea tea is my favourite - it’s extremely cleansing and the best pick me up if you’re feeling groggy. This brand takes a refreshingly no-nonsense, need-state-led approach to health and wellbeing.

• Glass Gardens by Green Factory

Green Factory offers innovative plants to bring beautiful nature into your home. Their wonderful glass gardens require very little maintenance. No green thumb? No problem! Each plant object is handmade, an ecosystem capable of blossoming almost independently, with only a few waterings per year. Each creation is unique. 

• Shona Vertue: The Vertue Method

Exercise offers so many important benefits that it should always be part of your weekly routine. Exercise helps me to stay slim and fit, but whilst working from home daily physical activity definitely reduces stress and really does help me sleep better – these two things are especially beneficial for my creativity and productivity.

• Linen Bedding by Piglet

When considering factors that contribute to a relaxing sleep, linen is highly overlooked. Come to think of it; you are going to spend a third of your lifetime in bed so investing in quality bed linen would be an easy and quick way of improving the quality of your life!

• Sarah Chapman Mist Steamer

This is meant to be fantastic. It's on my list as everyone says it’s brilliant. It’s all about bringing the outside in so will start home skincare regime.

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.

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We are so happy to see our interiors featuring in Quintessa’s 2018 highlights. Quintessa creates the most beautiful bespoke, made to order art. See their website below,

http://www.quintessa.co.uk/index.php

 

 

The SW team are always on the lookout for inspiration. Whether it be an exhibition, restaurant, travelling or fashion, we find constantly exploring helps us with our creativeness and keeping up to date with current trends. Below are a few discoveries we have made this month and would love to share with you.

Trend - Sabrina Savage

Sabrina Savage is a British designer.Her intricate, hand drawn illustrations are printed on to gorgeous silk scarfs and have been featured in several high fashion magazines such as Vogue and Country & Townhouse. Her designs are bursting with botanical and zoological illustrations and are at the top of our most wanted list - not that we need any more retail therapy so close after Christmas!

 

Book - A Prisoner of Geography by Tim Marshall

Tim Marshall has been a reporter on foreign affairs for almost 30 years and is the author of the New York Timesbest seller Prisoners of Geography.

Prisoners of Geography is an incredible book explaining everything you need to know about global politics and how all leaders are constrained by geography. Definitely worth a read!

 

Travel –Cyprus

Polis, a small town in Cyprus, is abundant with historical buildings and ruins. Modest stone buildings dating back 500 years all with a heavy catholic influence and amazing tiny details. A prime example this handmade brass hand door handle created around the 17^th century, a fine example of Mediterranean style and biblical influence.

In a stunning location on the coast, Polis certainly worth adding to your bucket list!

 

 

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