The romantic world of Michal Negrin

It’s hard not to be impressed by Michal Negrin’s pieces, with such intricate detailing and exquisite design.  You instantly feel transported to times gone by, entering into a world of crinolines, cupcakes and afternoon tea!

Michal Negrin is best known for her vintage-inspired designs that include jewellery and now home décor and fashion.  She began selling her designs in 1988 in Tel Aviv’s open-air marketplace and has grown to be one of the most recognised designers in Israel.

Negrin’s Visitor’s Center was opened in 2009 in Bat Yam, on the premises where her jewelry is made, where customers can have a browse and immerse themselves in Negrin’s magical world.  All pieces are hand made and rather expensive!  But worth it for the unique look.

See website for store locations.

posted by Emily

At the supermarket…

Below is an image of one of Sarah’s walls (see previous blog post if you’ve no idea what I’m talking about!!).  Each display is like a work of art, how fabulous is that?  Although I’ve no doubt that managing Supermarket Sarah is a hard job, how much fun must it be too?!

From clothing to homeware to vintage furniture, Sarah has a lovely range to choose from.  Here are a few of my favourites.  Don’t wait too long to purchase something though, as it won’t be available for long!

posted by Emily

The Home of Supermarket Sarah

Whilst we’re on the subject of vintage finds, I thought you’d be interested in finding out about the brains behind Supermarket Sarah, an online store selling an eclectic mix of old and new pieces. 

This gorgeous Victorian two-bedroom apartment in Ladbroke Grove is home to stylist and webshop owner Sarah Bagner.  From here, Sarah runs her online store, Supermarket Sarah, using a wall in her studio to display the items for her website.

Sarah left her position as a digital copywriter to pursue her dream job… what a true inspiration to us all!  The only thing with working from home though, is getting that work/home life balance just right, something which is so difficult to do!  Luckily Sarah has her own separate studio for her work, which will help her to keep that balance.

I just love the yellow ruffle dress, above!

Sarah gets the mix of old and new just perfect.  The apartment looks spacious and airy and you can see that each decorative item has been chosen with great love and care.

with thanks to You magazine

posted by Emily

Turn something old into your something new!

Have you ever walked into a pretty, girly boutique and wished you could decorate your home just like it?  The thought of having a home full of beautiful antique furniture sounds divine- and expensive!  But it needn’t be costly; a few carefully planned trips to antique markets and second hand shops should do the trick, along with a spot of internet research. 

US interior stylist Monique Keegan shows us how to perfect this look with a sneak peak into her lovely home…

Monique has used old haberdashery drawers for storage.  The glass panes clearly show what is inside here, so keep your bits and bobs tidy and aim to have interesting textures, shapes and colours on display. 

Look out for shops wanting to ‘get rid’ of old furniture, perhaps they are refurbishing or need more space etc.  That is your chance to grab a bargain!  Special pieces such as these tend to be costly in a second hand shop.

Obviously your furniture won’t be matching, which is all part of the charm.  Despite this, try to ensure each piece has as place and a purpose, so that the room will ‘come together’ as a whole.  Don’t be afraid to repaint furniture (shabby chic) or re-cover something in a fabric of your choice… make something old your ’something new’!!

Vintage finds can really ‘make’ a room.  In the bathroom Monique has used old vintage hanging mirrors, old-fashioned personal care accessories (think hand mirror with a long handle) and baskets for storage.  Gorgeous!!

You can almost feel the quality of the furniture in this picture.  Monique’s fabulous antique table and interesting nik-naks will have you sat at that desk long after you’ve finished your work!  Note the quality floorboards, too- don’t spoil the look by cutting corners where you shouldn’t!

posted by Emily