I RED this and thought of you ......

Hi Everybody

I though I may post some info out some pieces/furniture I saw each with the colours of the Olympic Rings: Red, Green, Black, Yellow and Blue.
Today it will be the Red.........
The below items are all from Amazon and more spoecifically Premier Housewares who do appear to have alot of products.



Relax and chill out and watch the Olympics in comfort

Add that touch of luxury to your recliner with this mogolian cushion

Swirl Sculpture, I thought it looked a bit like the Olympic Flame

For the wall there is a striking poppy glass wall art

Rool out the red carpet...

The next colour I will look at is green. It may be a hard one to come across green pieces of furniture but I will investigate and report back for all you wonderful people...
Until next time..........STAY CREATIVE
-Z

Design on an Olympic Scale...

Hi Everybody

All keeping well I hope.

Well...did everybody see the opening ceremony at he Olympic Games. Wan tit fantastic..quite the show.

I was thinking if it would be OK with you as the medal table ranks up I would at the end would look at the top 5 countries and look at the layouts, displays and design for those countries. I think that would be a nice topic to get my teeth into.

Obviously I will be keeping you up to date with lots of other things I think are looking good and may catch the eye.



Citius, Altius, Fortius

You can let me know what you thought of the ceremony and any ideas you have on the design front.

Until next time....STAY CREATIVE..
-Z

Date for your Diary....

Hi Guys...Its been a while since I last posted but I have been mega busy :). So much running around and not enough time to do it in...where is that 25th hour in the day when you need it lol
I happened to hear of the next dates for the HOUSEWARES Conference and Innovation Awards.
It is on 16th and 17th April 2013 at the Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire in the UK. Last year was such a wonderful success with the Michelin starred chef and celebrity Heston Blumenthal giving talks and presenting awards for all the hard work and effort that has gone into many retailers an business. With such tough economic times we are in at the moment it just shows the determination, ideas and innovation that so many people have that keeps the high street alive, competitive and so very interesting. So to all the entrants and nominees......GOOD LUCK!!!!

Until Next Time...... STAY CREATIVE

-Z

Another Friday 13th.....AAARRGGHH!!!

Hi Guys... Happy Friday 13th. Hope you are all well.

My Last Friday 13th post was about strange furniture but I though with the wall art theme this week, I would look at strange wall art or design.

There is the superstition that if you break a mirror you will have bad luck for 7 years. Why not meet that superstition head on and have a mirror that is already broken......Well obviously this is not broken but with the etching on it it gives that effect. Which brings me onto my next pieces quite nicely...Illusions....

The above and below images are mosaic art, which in the great scheme of events is not that unusual, but arranged in a certain way can be truly dramatic. The above image looks like a never ending portal to another dimension and there is something quite hypnotic and thought provoking about it. WHAT IS ROUND THE BEND????

The below is sublime..truly wonderful. The fact it is set up to look like Venice, but to incorporate the bath and a gondola lookalike is real attention to detail and incorporating furnitur into the art of it.

If you have seen something strange in the past design wise or even have some thoughts on todays post please let me know. I would love to hear from you.

Until next time...be safe today...be aware...and as always.......STAY CREATIVE
-Z

Brighten Your Day ....

Hi Everybody....How are you all.

Well here in Scotland the Summer so far has been a complete wash out with rain and strong winds. Definitely not the Summer I or anybody else for that matter had come to expect :(. So I thought it was maybe a chance to look at some nice bright wall art to liven up and give a splash of colour on that bare wall.

Above are examples of hanging glass wall art from Amazon through Premier Housewares. Truly some lovely pieces and would look good in a bedroom or even the Macaroons in the Kitchen MMMMmmmmmmm:) :)

Another form of wall art that appears to be the future of interior wall design is Wall Decals. Some people may call them wall transfers, stickers o even wall tattoos, but the principal is the same. They can be simple small silhouettes or more lavish, full wall affairs. Some may even depict a famous piece of art or subject matter.

This look is very stylish and can give a plane wall a unique twist to it and it would certainly be a conversation piece or talking point in the room.

As I am Scottish I just couldn't resist adding these 2 lovely decas. The top one is certainly more extravagant but it can be in a corner of the room as you can see from the green walled image.

Have fun with it and just because you may think a piece of wall art should hang..them think again.

Until next time.....stay creative

-Z

Living in a Virtual World

Hi Everybody
Hope you are all well and healthy.

I just thought I would give you a quick post on a different nature and use the power of technology.

If you are having trouble placing things in a room or even are unsure where to start about designing a room, why not use computer software to get you started.

I found a website which you may like: 

www.virtualworlds.co.uk

The software would be best suited to a manufacturer, retailer, property developer or a semi pro interior designer. It allows the customer to visualise  and view the product options you choose to have available

Virtual Worlds is a suite of fully interactive, 3D virtual reality programs for creating room interiors, including kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, study, retail store and office space design software. They are built to run on any modern desktop or laptop, and feature drag & drop technology, live 3D walk-thru’s, stunning image production, and data output of room design contents. Virtual Worlds systems can also provide design visualisation for external environments like gardens and specialised applications like railway stations, airport terminals, exhibition stands and underground and subway stations.
This is the first one I have seen with this kind of set up and I am very impressed with it. The images look excellent. Here are some shots below...and remember these are virtual shots for designing :) :O

Until Next Time....STAY CREATIVE
-Z

The Launch of UK Big Brother 2012

Hi Guys

Here in the UK last night, it was the launch night of the new series of the reality TV show Big Brother. To be honest I am not really interested in what happens over the coming weeks I was and am far more interested in the house design. The structure, the layout and of course the furniture that has gone in.

Here are some of the images below:

I have always wondered who makes, manufactures and gives their furniture for the house. I suppose there will be different companies giving certain pieces.

This year it is definetly a more glamourous if not vegas style theme. Especially with  the neon tubes under the beds. The Living quarter is alot more open leading to a wonderful modern kitchen with black marble and a big breakfast batr with bar stools.

I have to agree that this I think is the best house that Big Brother have produced to date in the UK. Well done to those involved :) :)

Until Next Time.......STAY CREATIVE.

-Z

Diamond Jubilee is all over and back to normal now

Hi Everybody

How are you all today. Well.....thats the Queens Diamond Jubilee over and I hope you have had some wonderful celebrations and  outdoor tea parties. If you have any photos or stories about it then I would love to know and I will show them on the blog :) :).

Now all the excitment is over ...ppheeww <+_+> lol. We can get back to looking more at room designing.

If anybody has seen anything or would like to share this interest with me then you can let me know and I will show your work. It would be great to see what everybody else is thinking in terms of home design.

Until next time I will have a look and a think (which I have been told can be a dangerous thing lol lol lol) and report back soon. So until then....................STAY CREATIVE

-Z

Standing guard at the door in your castle

Hi guys

Firstly I would just like to take this time to thank you to everybody that has read and commented on my blog so far. I love blogging and this is my third month of it and I have no intention of stopping. So a massive THANK YOU to you all :) :)

Now on to the really good stuff .....

I spotted these door stops through a company called Dora Designs and to continue with the British theme I thought they were very quirky and rather sweet. My favourite has to be the Bulldog. Which is yours ???

Standing Guard

You cant have a castle and not have a Corgi dog

The British Bulldog standing proud and strong at your door.

Todays update is just a quick one and it was just a few items that I happened to come across

I will update again this week so.......

Until next time........STAY CREATIVE :) :)

Cupcakes fit for a Queen...

Hi Guys. How are you all today. Here in the Uk the weather is wonderful. Sun is out and there is a smile on everybodys face :) :) :)

My last post was about adding the finishing touch to your homemade Victoria Sponge, but if you prefer something more refined and gentle, why not look at the very popular cupcake.  

This delightfull cupcake set comes with 24 cake wraps in 3 designs and 15 cake toppers in 5 designs. All you need to do is bake those yummy cakes and once out the oven wrap around your cupcake and secure using the tab. To finish add the frosting and top with the Jubilee Toppers. These are from a company called Kitchenware.

If you make all those cupcakes you need to do 2 things. Firstly save me one :) :) and secondly you will need something to display them on.

This cupcake stand I saw on AMAZON and is through a company called Premier Housewares. The unit stands 33 x36 x 36cm. It is from there I LOVE UK design and will hold up to 28 cupcakes. It is made from laminated carboard and really is an excellent centre piece for your table.

Until we speak again have a wonderful day and.......STAY CREATIVE :)

-Z

Bake a Cake and Top It

Hi Everybody. How are you all.
I just found a few Jubilee pieces that I thought were nice. You may even say they are quite humorous.
The below item is a set of stand up cake toppers, which includes Buckingham Palace, the Horse Drawn Carriage, Military Guards, 2 Corgis and of course the couple themselves. Perfect to decorate your Victoria Sponge in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee.
I found them on the website:
www.katespartyshop.com/index.php/party-supplies/party-tableware/jubilee-pop-out-cake-toppers.html and for the full set are priced at only £3.49. It gives you an excuse to bake lots of lovely cakes. MMMMmmmmmm :) :) :)

Above is a truly delightful sandwich stand for the table. Each one of these Union Jack Sandwich Stand Sets include one Union Jack Sandwich Stand which are each 16in x 14in x 14in. Perfect way of serving the cucumber sandwiches (with no crusts of course) or even your home made Chicken Tikka sandwich (and yes these are a British culinary delight:) ). It was found on the website:
www.oohpartyideas.co.uk/union-jack-sandwich-stand and come in at only £6.99. Great buy.

Until Nest Time ....... STAY CREATIVE.
-Z

I Bring To You.........The Queens Cushion

Hi Everybody.

Its that time of the week again where I happened to pass upon this and thought I would share it with you. This cushion is all hand embroidered and is certainly on the luxurious side, but why not treat yourself :)

It comes in at £75 by TUGBA KOP ILLUSTRATION. I found it on a website called notonthehighstreet.com.

The  details of the crown have been embroidered using free machine embroidery. The fabrics

vary from furry felt to silky satin.

This cushion measures approximately 45cm x 45cm.

The designer explains that all of the embroidered designs are drawn from observation, traced and stitched over free hand on the sewing machine.

Let me know what you think of it and remember that each one is unique and hand made. :) :) :) :)

Until Next Time........Stay Creative

-Z 

Queens Premier Jubilee Update

This this an update of mt last post regarding those wonderful UK designed producets from Premier Housewares. The range is called 'I LOVE UK' and all items in the picture appear to be on AMAZON.

The Teapot above is hand painted and holds 1000ml of fluid. On AMAZON is is selling for £12.99



 The Tea cups come in a set of for and are again hand pained. These are on at £14.99 down from £24.99

This delightful teacosy is 100% cotton and sizes up at H= 26cm W= 30cm. It is a great accompianment to the teapot and comes in at only £5.49

The Sugar and Milk Set are once again Hand Painted and with it being such a sweet (pardon the joke) set you really cant resist it if you are geting the teapot and cup sets. It is only £6.99 for the complete set. Quite frankly a bargain.

For a full range of the I LOVE UK items here is the link to AMAZON for it:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_20?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=premier+housewares+i+love+uk&sprefix=premier+housewares+i%2Caps%2C399

Some absolutly lovely pieces I'm sure you will agree. So have a look at the link and your table will be all set for a fantastic celbration.

Stay Creative...

-Z

Im BACK and the Queens Premier Jubilee Items

Hi Everybody

Sorry I have not been on for a while but I have been mega busy and to be honest I have had a few Internet problems. But all seems well and good at the moment SO.......I'M BACK ...READY OR NOT lol lol ...:) :) :)

I started thinking about the next few weeks and thought about the Queens Jubilee week here in the UK and celebrated all over the Commonwealth.

There is so many products out on the market I'm not really sure where to start. However the main focus will be tableware and if you are having a street party or commemorative goods for the perfect celebration for one of the longest reigning monarchs in the world.

I saw this advert in the great British Food Magazine supplement and quite simply WOW. This sums up exactly what I am talking about when it comes to partys and celebration items for this wonderful occasion. It is advertising this company once again Premier Housewares who are a UK based company. I found their items on AMAZON so I need to find these and give you a general price guide, That way you can buy all your items in time for your party. My favourites though have to be the cake stand and the teapot. There is nothing like a good cup of tea. I am saying this to you I am actually having a nice hot cup of tea. AAAHHHhhhhhh!!! :) :)

I will report back with more info on these for you

Until Then...Stay Creative :)

-Z

Childrens Kitchen Craftmanship

Hi there

I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning, here in the UK and there was a discussion on children and their cooking skills. One study has claimed that by the time a child is 12-13, they should beable to make a pot of soup from scratch. This way the child is more likely to get into the kitchen and help out or even make a meal rather than go for fast food.

Only half of mothers questioned described themselves as a good cook as against three-quarters of grandmothers, raising fears that younger generations are not getting into the habit of homecoming, in favour of ready meals and takeaways.

Of 2,039 people interviewed on behalf of the Potato Council, one-fifth of mothers said they rarely or never taught their children to cook, with many claiming that young people do not want to learn, or that it is too messy.

Sophie Grigson, the television chef and food writer who is supporting the council's campaign for more people to grow their own food, said that she was "saddened" by the results of the survey.

Above source: The Telegraph Web Site

Many questions will arise here. Such as is there a right age for a child to start making a meal? How do we bring children into the kitchen and get them away from computer games and the TV? and should schools be making more of an effort in the skills that children should posses in the home? Do you think that parents today are failing there children in the domestic care field or do you feel that we excel in home pride and domestic chores?

I was wondering on some of your thoughts. Do you give your child the run of the kitchen or do you feel that cutting vegetables with a sharp knife is to much responsibility pre-teen. So many questions and so many answers out there. 

Please let me know. I would love to here from you.

Let me know what you think..stay creative...
-Z

MAY...the style be with you...

Hey guys :)

Well we are into May and the year is running away with us.

I thought I might look at table layouts for your dining table.

Once again this is where your imagination and creative ideas can run wild. Whether you are entertaining or just you want something for the everyday use there is style and design pieces that are sure to inspire you.

I think the best policy at times is keep it simple yet creative. Colour schemes are key here and you don't want to many colours. Candelabras or candle sticks are always a nice touch. With attention to details such items that should be on the table are cloth napkins with stylish napkin rings, even a table runner to put the focus on your arrangement.

When it comes t flowers and flower arrangements, some may think it is high maintenance or you have to be a full time florist to create the look you desire.....Not the case at all in fact not only can it be very therapeutic, it doesn't have to be high maintenance with many flowers nowadays lasting much longer and even supermarket flowers and in-expensive and most come with a feed to keep them going longer. When it comes to flowers, it is always best to look at the season and decide which is best, which means every time to change your flowers per season you have yourself a guideline for changing your colour scheme to match for the rest of the table. :) :)

Keep the clutter to a minimum as the more you put on the less space you have to  place all your delicios food on the table or even see each other :).....

To be honest the table is a blank canvas for you to apply the ideasand create a masterpiece.

For everyday layout and design keeping colours together and you could even change the flowers to coincide with the time/seasons of the year.

Setting a Christmas table doesn't have to be scary. In my view keep it simple and it will look that festive.

This centre piece is actually edible with fruit segments and chocolate pieces

Until we speak again...stay stylish
-Z

Last day of April..OH MY!!! :)

Hi Everybody
Hope you had a great weekend.
I just thought I would update you on an award ceremony that took place in the UK last week.
It was the BIRA National Conference and Gala Awards 2012.
It was hosted in the Birmingham Town Hall  and  awards were presented for the BIRA direct Supplier Award, the UK Young Retailer of the Year Awards for each division of BIRA – BAGMA, BHF, CHA, FAB and PPRA. They also present two community awards for a Charitable Champion and a Local Hero, which celebrated the invaluable social and charitable contributions made by independent retailers.

The Winners of the catagories are as follow:
BIRA direct Most Promising Newcomer- Hardware, Garden, DIY & Pet
Winner: Durston Garden Products

BIRA direct Most Promising Newcomer- Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift
Winner: Anniversary House

BIRA direct Best Marketing- Hardware, Garden, DIY & Pet
Winner: Draper Tools

BIRA direct Best Marketing- Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift
Winner: Anniversary House

BIRA direct Best Turnover Growth- Hardware, Garden, DIY & Pet
Winner: Bulk Hardware

BIRA direct Best Turnover Growth- Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift
Winner: Rayware

BIRA direct Supplier of the Year 2011 as voted for by bira members – Hardware, Garden, DIY & Pet
Winner: Jegs

BIRA direct Supplier of the Year 2011 as voted for by bira members – Cookshop, Housewares, Tabletop & Gift
Winner: Eddingtons

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners and those on the nominated list.

Unti We Speak Again...

-Z

Nearly the end of the week....AAAAahhhhhhh :)

Hi Guys

Just a quick post today.

I have found this excellent website:

www.fiftyonepercent.co.uk/main/

Fifty One Percent have a keen eye for exciting and functional design. The company appears to focus on creating products that will give everyday life an extra spark of joy with humorous twists and a mixture of stunning colours. Combining a factory style and raw appearance with shabby chic accents, the brand knows that it’s often the contrasts in colour and texture that make things stand out and creates a new and exciting look. They often use recycled and surplus material to give an individual flair. So please have a look at them and you may get some tips.

Until we speak again....stay creative...
-Z

Are we in a SHABBY mood :)????

Hey everybody
How are you today?
The Shabby Chic looks appears to be apparant and looks far better in the bedroom, although I'm not saying you couldn't put certain pieces in other rooms such as storage cupboars in the bathrooms or a side table in the living room/lounge, but for that softer feel it would be more suited in the bedroom.
Here are some examples to which I refer:

Its really about keeping the colours soft and very neutral, that way it will be the perfect place to relax and get a good nights sleep after a hard days work.
Stay Creative...
-Z