Viva Vivenda!

The pool at Vivenda dos Palhaços

When associating India with sport, cricket is probably the first one that comes to mind. Ever since my first visit in 2008 I have been desperate to return but I never expected to be going there to watch football!  

This October saw the beginning of the inaugural Indian Super League which, in a similar vein to the IPL cricket, has recruited several ex-players from around Europe in a bid to raise the popularity of the sport.  When I discovered that my footballing hero, Robert Pirès, was to be playing for FC Goa I had no hesitation in booking my flights.

Goa is one region that has been on my travel bucket list for pretty much ever and I had already earmarked  Vivenda Dos Palhaços as the place I wanted to stay should I ever get to go.  In a master stroke of happenstance, it is situated on the edge of Majorda - where FC Goa play their home matches.

With the winter settling in fans here are layering up under the replica shirts, digging out the scarves from the bottom drawer and making full use of the bobble hat that arrived in the members' pack.  I headed to India for a holiday I'll never forget.

Situated a little way down a dusty cul-de-sac, the Vivenda Dos Palhaços (Villa of Clowns - a long story, apparently!) is a charming Hindu-Portugese haçienda which has been beautifully restored by the owners, brother and sister team Charlotte and Simon Hayward.

Although described as a boutique hotel it has more of a homely feel, with delicious breakfasts served around the huge dining tables (either inside or out) and dinners to linger over, drinking Feni cocktails and listening to Simon's fascinating tales of growing up in Kolkata and his various travels around the world.

Outside dining area

WIth only eight rooms the lateness of my booking meant a bit of switching but I considered that a bonus as I got to have a good nose round them all. Each one has its own unique feature - be it the splendid outdoor bathroom of Madras, Konnagar's immense four poster bed that is so high you need a step to get in to it, or the private little courtyard attached to the back of The Chummery.

Madras bathroom

There are no airs and graces here - the bar area also serves as reception and resident pooches Kitten and Gigolo will try to supplement their diets with your lunch!  

The Lorry-Back Bar

Because VDP (I shall hereby refer to it as) is in a small village don't expect complete serenity - neighbouring cows will moo in to the night, cocks will crow at the crack of dawn and the dogs will howl at just about anything but this all adds to the experience of life in Goa. 
If you do seek a bit of peace, a ten-minute walk will take you to the beach.  It's easy to find a quiet spot away from the few beach shacks and hawkers and the sea is warm and welcoming - perfect for swimming, or in my case, bobbing around!

Majorda beach

The staff at VDP will happily try to accommodate your every need - booking taxis, recommending eateries or cooking up special meals are par for the course but they go the extra mile, even arranging my tickets to the match.

Next year I might forego my season ticket and spend the money on a return to the Super League.


All images ©KerryHussain2014

Going Grey

I have been surrounded by a riot of colour whilst beavering away on Piccadelhi business but when it comes to interiors I like things simple.

In my late teens my bedroom was a haven of white - I even painted the floorboards white, which my mother thought was highly impractical.  At home I love to feel calm: flicking through the pages of Atlanta Bartlett's book, Pale and Interesting, or browsing the website instantly puts me at ease.  

I dream of living in a world of natural wood and linen, all in varying shades of white and grey.

Living room heaven!  

Grey is not a new trend but it is still having a moment.  As we move through autumn and in to winter, I'd prefer to cosy up in a pared-back Scandi style room - think log fires, wire baskets and snuggly chunky knits - as opposed to the opulent jewel tones that reappear every year.  Even if it's dark outside it can still be light and bright inside.  

Below are a few images I'll be using for inspiration next time I decorate!

White doesn't have to be boring!

My dream work space would be something like this!

Using linen adds simple texture and creates a 'lived in' look

If you really must add colour, try denim blue and pastels

One day, my dreams will come true!!

Shop for the look at:

Nordic House

Nkuku

Bloomingville

Images: Pinterest

Allez Le Tour!

For three weeks every July I enjoy stunning scenery, exhausting climbs, exciting sprints and the odd crash.  Sadly I'm not talking about the joys of holidaying with Mr VKH but, of course, the Tour De France.

Every year since I can remember I have watched incredulous, with the utmost respect for the two hundred-odd riders that endure the literal ups and downs of the world's most famous bike race.  

The success of British cycling over the last few years, most notably Sir Bradley Wiggins becoming the first ever UK rider to win Le Tour in 2012 and splendidly following it up with an Olympic gold in London, has spawned a plethora of cycling related designs in the interiors industry.

So, to celebrate the 101st edition of the race getting underway with a fantastic Grand Départ in Yorkshire, I thought I'd round up some of my favourite bike-themed products available from British indies. 

Kicking us off is this new range from one of North Yorkshire's very own:

'Yorkshire' tea towel, £10 - Jesssica Hogarth

'Bikes' mug, £10 - Ella Doran

'Peloton of Cyclists' Limited Edition A4 print, £79 - Woop Studios

'Bikes' cushion by Maja Wronska, £34.95 - Ohh Deer

'Cycling Jerseys' A3 print, £30 - David Sparshott

Where to buy:

Jessica Hogarth

Ella Doran

Woop Studios
Ohh Deer
David Sparshott

Turpentine Grand Opening!

It's a well know fact that us North Londoners rarely venture south of the river and vice versa but last night I made the journey from (almost) one end of the Victoria line all the way to the other for the official opening of Turpentine, Brixton's newest lifestyle boutique.

Set up by friends Jude, Amber and Alice the store, on Coldharbour Lane, showcases the work of designer/makers from all over the UK, each handpicked for their craftsmanship and individuality.  Having run the successful Turpentine pop-up markets at the nearby Effra Social for a few years the girls decided the time was right to create a more permanent space for design-led crafts and took the plunge by opening their very own bricks and mortar shop. 

Inside, there is an air of east-end warehouse-meets-art gallery and the simple fittings allow the products to really stand out.  Prints are displayed on wire hanging from a bare brick wall, tea towels and homewares are hung on a pegboard painted with blackboard paint and each of the chipboard boxes housing smaller items such as jewellery has been lovingly hand made by the girls themselves.  It has truly been a labour of love for all three and it's now over to the products they have curated to ensure it's success.  

It just goes to show that, with a little elbow grease, you can achieve pretty much anything you want. 

Exterior

Open for business!

Colourful products from Piccadelhi and Jonna Saarinen

Weekday hangers by Stumped Studio

Turpentine

433 Coldharbour Lane

Brixton

London SW9 8LW

theturpentine.com

Easter Chic(k)

Well hello! 
It's been a while since my last post, I've been a little preoccupied with Piccadelhi and getting my new products made and photographed.  I've also been gearing up for a few Spring markets  - but more about that later.
It's certainly not for lack of inspiration that I have been quiet, I have a bit of a backlog of new creative discoveries to share with you.
So, as my favourite time of year, Easter, fast approaches it seems an appropriate time to feature the most recent of these, Bliss Home.

By no means a new kid on the block, Bliss Home has been designing homewares for over thirty years and has collaborated with some famous names during this time - Sebastian Conran, Nigella Lawson and, latterly, Orla Kiely.  But it is the 'Bliss In The Woods' range that caught my eye.

As the name suggests, it is inspired by the British woodland and the creatures that inhabit it.  The collection of kitchenware is perfect for creating a relaxed but stylish Easter table.

Acorn salt and pepper pots, £32.50

Milk jug and sugar bowl, £27.50

Bird teapot, £32.50

For more of these beautiful ceramics and details of other collaborations, see the website. 

Bliss Home

Get Minted!

Radiant Orchid - love it or loathe it?

'Radiant Orchid', the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2014, is proving to be a somewhat controversial choice in the interiors world. On (almost) the other side of the colour wheel, Dulux has named its colour of the year as Sea Urchin 1, a muted shade of teal.  In contrast it seems a rather safe decision.  I feel as if teal has been the mainstay of interior trends for several years now and, quite frankly, I'm bored of it. Yawn.

I was delighted to see that neither of these colours really featured among the Spring/Summer palettes at Home and Top Drawer when I visited last month.  Instead, there was a strong focus on pastels (in Spring? How original!), but in particular dusty pinks and, my new favourite colour, mint green.  These colours brilliantly complement the current trend for warm metallics, combining well with gold or copper.  

Inspired by a stunning image of a cat with the most beautiful green eyes, I've put together this little mood board to show you how you could incorporate this scheme in to your home...

Details (clockwise from top left): Erin wallpaper by Harlequin, £41 - John Lewis,  House blanket, £200 - Donna Wilson,  table lamp by Bloomingville, £206 - Debenhams,  wire basket by Ferm Living, £69.95 - John Lewis,  Mongolian Lamb's fur cushion, £120 and enamel side table, £115 - both Holly's House.

Paint colours (L-R):  Green Verditer (92) - Little Greene, Celedon - Fired Earth, Pink Ground - Farrow and Ball, Hansel - Fired Earth.

Home Again!

Last January I wrote about my inaugural visit to Home London, the first trade show of the year.  This time round it was bigger and better: Home was once again co-located with Top Drawer (for stationery and gift-led products) but there was a new addition in the form of Craft - a showcase for one hundred of the finest designer makers across a broad range of disciplines.  

I visited on Sunday, the opening day, and there was a distinctly warm and friendly buzz about the place.  With a lot of the major buyers visiting on  a week day it was a relaxed atmosphere and there was time to chat.  I managed to catch up with last year's Confessions of A Design Geek bursary winner, Jessica Hogarth, who this year was located in Top Drawer having taken the decision to concentrate more on the stationery side of her business. The Mini Moderns guys were as convivial as usual, their new Hinterland collection looked great and was generating a lot of interest.  I also took the opportunity to say hello to Emma from the Gary Birks studio, whose new mugs inspired my last post.  I may have got more than a little excited about their new 'Wave' design…but more on that another time.

There was a lot to take in, but I've selected a few exhibitors whose stands really attracted my attention...

Never has a whole brand made me want to throw out everything I own and start again, but Danish label Bloomingville has done just that.  They are by no means a new company, having been founded in 2000 by Betina Stampe, but the aesthetic is clean, fresh and very 'now'.  From kitchen to garden, living room to home office, they've got it covered.  Dreamy summer pastels? Check.  Acid brights? Yup.  Scandi monochrome? Naturally.  Hot  metallics? You betcha. 

I want it all.  And I'm putting it all in my cabin between a forest and a lake somewhere in rural Sweden.

Pastels and geometrics

Monochrome, Scandinavian style

I need this lamp in my life!

Images from bloomingville.com

See website for stockists.

I was delighted to discover the hand painted enamelware of Jasmine White. Brainchild of Supriya Broadbent, this Anglo-Asian venture utilises the skills of artisans in India which have been passed down through generations.  The pretty floral design is typical of the Kashmiri region and would happily sit alongside retro or modern pieces.  I particularly love the little tea caddies, which could also be used to keep spices in - lined up on a shelf they'd look very chic.

In addition to the enamelware, Jasmine White has also recently launched an original design entitled 'Indian Street' which features on a range of textile products.

Hand-painted tea caddy, £7.50

Indian Street cushion, £45.

Images from jasminewhitelondon.com

I have been a fan of Sue's work for a while now so it was delightful to talk to her in person at Home.  She started her career at Wedgwood but now runs her own successful studio where she makes each prototype herself before sending it off to a factory in Stoke to be produced in limited runs.  

Sue's stand was easily my favourite of the whole show, the simplicity of it allowing her elegantly rustic products to take centre stage: 

Sue's simply designed stand really caught my eye.

Image from suepryke.com

Once again the quality of exhibitors was extremely high.  Next year the show is re-locating to Olympia due to the development of the Earl's Court site but it will still be the 'definitive trade event for homewares and interiors accessories'. 

home-london.net

A Right Mug

I've often been asked if I collect anything (usually around Christmas or my birthday) and the answer is always a resounding 'No!'.  I don't like clutter and pointless ornaments send shivers down my spine.  I live by the old adage that if something is neither useful or beautiful it has no place in the home (insert witty comment about husbands here).
But, it seems that subconsciously, I do collect something.  I hadn't really thought about it before but on stumbling upon these beauties by Gary Birks (below) I realised I have a thing about mugs.  And what's more, it occurred to me that  I have certain mugs for certain drinks. 

New collection from Gary Birks

For example, if I have tea in the morning (English Breakfast, natch) it has to be out of a chunky earthenware mug, one of the cheap and cheerful ones that we have picked up from gigs over the years, or my special Arsenal mug which I've had since I was little.  
Elevenses comes from my Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot mug for which I subscribed to Country Living magazine, just to get it free.  Of an afternoon I like Darjeeling out of my new Mini Moderns 'Darjeeling' mug which has replaced my Cow Parade one as the bone china mug of choice.  If I have tea in the evening it has to be from one of my Denby Jet collection. 

Is that weird?  Perhaps, but in case there are any other mug fetishists out there I've rounded up a few others that I'd like to add to my 'collection' for when those mentioned above are in the dishwasher or - say it quietly - they go to the great kitchen cupboard in the sky... 

Drip Tease Mug in gold, £9.80 - Reiko Kaneko

Bucket Mug, £10 - Keith Brymer Jones

Mali ceramic mug, £12.95 - Nkuku

Celadon Grey tea mug, £12.00 - Nom Living

Everyone should have a favourite mug.  I just happen to have lots.


Links:

Reiko Kaneko      

Keith Brymer Jones

Nkuku

Nom Living

Happy New Year!

So that's Christmas done and packed away for another year.  I have to admit that December is my least favourite month - the frantic scramble to get presents and the decision of where to spend Christmas Day coupled with the anniversary of my dad's passing on the 21st make it a particularly difficult time for me personally and I always feel a huge sense of relief when it's all over.

January, though, is a different story.  Come the new year I am filled with a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm.  It is a time for re-organising and planning - a fresh start.  As a self-confessed interiors addict, I subscribe to several magazines and I keep them (much to Mr VKH's annoyance) in a stack in the corner of our living room.  At the end of December  I go through each one from the year before and tear out any pages that I find useful or inspiring before sending them to the recycling bin.  I also like to look back at the trend forecasts and see what worked, what didn't transpire and which brands have grown in popularity.   

A fresh start. (image via Pinterest)

In a way, I take the same approach to life: in the first few days of the year I always like to take stock, think about what I want to achieve over the coming months and set myself goals (continue to grow the Piccadelhi brand, draw more, quit TV completely).  I don't make resolutions but I do think about aspects of my life that I'd like to change or improve (social life, self-confidence, fitness)  and also try to ditch the habits that do me no good (self-castigation, a severe latte and almond croissant addiction).  

In 2014 I'm hoping to build on the things I learnt last year, strengthen the new relationships I made and make more new ones.  I'm looking forward to visiting more shows, starting with Home and Top Drawer next week.

All in all, I hope to continue to inspire and be inspired and maybe somewhere along the way I might just find some semblance of contentment - now wouldn't that be nice?