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Designers Homewares

Wedgwood’s iconic Wild Strawberry gets the gold treatment

I’m getting a little nostalgic over Wedgwood’s very cool reinvention of its classic and instantly recognisable Wild Strawberry design. You see, as a child growing up in England, my dad often bought me small Wedgwood pieces in this very pattern (I thought I was extremely grown up and special as a result)! So very English, don’t you think?!

Wedgwood Wild Strawberry Teacup Saucer and Plate Set

Anyway, much as I have a fondness for the original, the new Wedgwood Wild Strawberry Al Fresco collection is pretty exciting too. Acknowledging changing trends in contemporary entertaining, Wild Strawberry’s illustrative design meets the bold metallic design from the Al Fresco collection, introducing an element of glamour to both the dining table and the wider home.

Whimsical finishing touches and tributes to the original design are found throughout the collection alongside unique pieces such as the multifunctional Strawberry Punnet and generously sized Leaf Bowl.

Coordinating luxurious handcrafted crystal stemware blends seamlessly with the modern lines, generous proportions and relaxed curves of the tableware collection. Striking etched detailing decorates both stemware and serveware. Key statement pieces from the collection such as the Cocktail Jug and Water Pitcher, as well as elegant tart stands, fuse utility with design.

Large Cake Stand

The Al Fresco collection includes a number of limited edition designs. The punch service is a stunning lidded centrepiece, hand carved with over 1,600 individual cuts placed delicately across the bowl and its accompanying cups. A gold tea set of teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl (I really need one!) is the standout of the metallic designs.

Wedgwood Wild Strawberry is available online at wedgwood.com.au or at David Jones, Myer and upmarket independent stores. For enquiries call 1300 852 022.

Wedgwood is an iconic English luxury brand established in 1759 which has, more recently, forged successful creative partnerships with designers Jasper Conran and Vera Wang. A luxury collection of fine bone china and iconic jasper wear decorative items continues to be made in England by skilled craftsmen at the Barlaston factory situated on the Wedgwood Estate, Staffordshire.

Categories
Travel

Interiors Addict’s London Design Guide

It’s been almost six months since we returned from our trip of a lifetime to Europe and America but I still get to re-live it by writing my regular travel pieces for Expedia’s blog. Today, I’ve shared five must-visit destinations in the big smoke for interiors lovers. Most of you know I’m a Pom and I love the UK, but I’m more of a country girl than a city slicker (despite having lived in London for five years). But you can’t deny how amazing this city is, especially when you go back as a tourist.

abigail ahern interiors addict

I have a bit of everything for you, from Abigail Ahern’s fabulous little shop (above) to the legendary Liberty of London, West Elm (where they have coffee) and the surrounding homewares stores of Tottenham Court Road, the Design Museum and more.

Liberty of London
Liberty of London

Read the full post.

Categories
Travel

Addict Abroad: my quintessentially English trip to historic Bath

You may have seen me raving about my recent trip to Bath on social media. I have been to this English city many times on account of growing up just down the road. And because of that, I’ve never actually spent a weekend there. This city has a special place in my heart and it’s where Damian and I chose to have our second wedding reception for my English family and friends last year. It is probably my favourite place in the UK.

Exterior 4

Earlier this month however, we were lucky enough to stay at the amazing Royal Crescent Hotel. As the name suggests, this five-star slice of heaven is slap bang in the middle of one of the most famous street addresses in the world. Will you just look at it?! No wonder Jane Austen used to stroll up and down as it was the place to be and to be seen!

Hotel Front

With an exterior like this, it would be easy for the interior to be a letdown, but I’m happy to report this was not the case. Our room was beautiful, and probably the biggest surprise was the English country garden that lay on the other side of this building.

Garden 1

Read my full review and see all the pictures, including the bedrooms, on the Expedia blog.

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Interiors Addict

Go Christmas shopping with free delivery to Australia from Marks & Spencer

As you may know, I finished our honeymoon in the UK last week, spending time with friends and family. It was so lovely to hang out at my dad’s in front of a roaring open fire. Which reminds me, Christmas is the only time of year I get really homesick! For me, Christmas shopping is always fun and in England, Marks & Spencer is always involved, whether it’s hitting up the food court (oh, WHEN are they bringing M&S Food to Australia?!), buying a few new baubles or some gift sets for relatives.

Some EXCELLENT news I just became aware of is that dear old M&S are offering free shipping to Australia (for a limited time, so that could end any time, so be quick) on orders over 30GBP (just over $50). So I seriously suggest you check out their Christmas decorations, not to mention their famous 3 for 2 offers (these were very important when it came to making pocket money stretch back in the day).

M&S christmas

Above (clockwise, left to right) are a few of my top picks: Christmas city wrapping paper, mandarin, clove and cinnamon room spray (it’s all about festive smells too!), pine cone garland with gold berries (so English to have one of these draped over the fireplace!) and make your own Christmas crackers set.

Categories
Travel

The design lover’s guide to London

Sponsored by Laminex

abigail ahern
British interior designer Abigail Ahern, who is popular with Australians

I asked leading British interior designer Abigail Ahern to tell me what’s hot in my home city of London for design lovers right now. I’m planning a stop-off at the end of our honeymoon in November, and I can’t wait to check out a few of these new shopping and dining finds!