Wonders of the world

I’m loving Maison du Monde’s collection of homeware, inspired by the different cultures from around the world.  Even if nothing takes your fancy, the website is full of styling ideas to give you inspiration.

From chinese style to pop rock and urban, there are some stunning pieces and something to suit any interior, no matter what the theme.  I particularly like their storage solutions- I for one can never have enough places to store everything!

Maisons du Monde boutiques are dotted around Europe and are also online

posted by Emily

Squint and it looks a bit like Bokja

I’ve just discovered Squint, a traditional furniture upholsterer company selling gorgeously quirky designs for the home!  The style reminded me a bit of the furniture pieces seen at Bokja, which I noted in a previous blog a few days ago.

The Peebles two seater is one of my favourite pieces.  The exaggerated high back gives it a ‘grand’ feel, like a large throne!

The pretty vintage fabrics used are woven English damasks and shot silver and gold satins.  I love the fact that the prints and colours, although years old, still fit with modern day design. 

here’s a toned-down option for all you colour-phobes out there!

posted by Emily

Go bonkers for Bokja

I went round to a friend’s house for the first time recently and her home was just beautiful; gorgeous stripped floorboards throughout with an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern furniture. 

Much of her furniture has been shipped from abroad after having travelled and seen the pieces but Bokja shows that you can purchase such wonderful items from the comfort of your (shortly to be disposed of) sofa!

Lebanese designers Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri set-up their company in 2000 and create vintage furniture upholstered in Middle Eastern fabrics.  The Bokja studio is located in the heart of Beirut and employs a team of highly specialised artisans who reinvent pieces of antique furniture with textiles from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. 

Bokja is actually an old Turkish description for an embellished velvet wrapping of treasured items for special occasions. 

posted by Emily

How Wunderleyful!

“Part of the pleasure of travel is finding unique things that reflect the beauty of another culture,” say the guys at Wonderley and I couldn’t agree more.

inlaid chest, $9975

I came across Wunderley’s website whilst searching for something entirely different; isn’t that always the way?!  The US-based company began trading in the early 90’s and specialise in Moroccan and middle eastern furniture and accessories.

cushion cover, $62

The furniture is really exquisite; it’s amazing to think how much detail goes into each piece, not to mention time spent, using old-fashioned manufacturing techniques.

It’s worth it though isn’t it… no offense to big corporate companies but I’d much prefer something special and meaningful.  Although at these prices I think I may be shopping at Ikea for just a little longer!!

Brass and glass wall sconce, $110

octagonal shell inlay accent table, $1235

beaded brass lamp, $285

posted by Emily