WHERE TO SHOP FOR BOLD INTERIORS
If, like me, you've pinned down your interiors style (eventually!) to bold and glamorous, then you might be experiencing the same difficulties in trying to shop for that style.
Many a time, I can look through a store's entire stock and not find a single thing that ticks the boxes. Sometimes, I strike lucky and find a range that fits the bill, but all in all, it's pretty slim pickings.
Wouldn't interiors life be so much easier if we'd fallen for Scandi, country or industrial style?
But, fear not, I have a list of go-to sources that will solve your interiors dilemmas. These guys have bold and daring décor in spades.
In no particular order....well, actually, in alphabetical order as that seemed fairest, here are some of the best stores for interiors pieces that are packed with personality. Just re-visiting these websites to compile this list has had me reaching for my credit card.
You've been warned!
ABIGAIL AHERN
What they say: "We conjure up the ultimate "tomboy meets glamour puss" cool vibe, tempering masculine gentlemen's club design with touches of laid-back glam."
What you'll find: Abigail Ahern sells furniture, lighting and accessories that will give your home a luxe and cool edge. The Islington store window proclaims that it's the new way to decorate and I agree, though it's no secret that I love Abigail Ahern's style. They have their own paint range (I have Madison Grey from the first collection in my living room) and own-brand faux flowers which receive rave reviews. A cool flower cabin in Heals, London, shows off the full collection.
Over at the store in Islington, London, it's all magical, quirky interiors finds set against a signature inky backdrop. The AA store website also features Abigail's blog which has stacks of styling tips and tricks.
What's the damage?
I was pleasantly surprised when I first discovered the price points. You can expect anything from a £5.25 candle or £8.50 small vase to £3,000-plus for a mud beaded chandelier or £2,000-plus for a drinks cabinet and pretty much everything in between. Sign up for newsletters to hear about sales and new collections.
HOUSE OF HACKNEY
What they say: Their vision is "modern maximalism with an injection of quintessentially English nostalgia."
What you'll find: From dinnerware to bookends and wallpaper to lampshades, everything in House of Hackney is maximalist....to the max! Lampstands are full of personality, adorned with cheetahs, pineapples, cockatoos or cobras to name just a few. Prints on wallpaper and fabric span elegant to quirky, featuring striking palm leaves or foliage, animals, or a touch of the whimsical. My favourites are the tropical Limerence and Art Deco-inspired Palmeral.
The House of Hackney flagship store is a 2,000 sq foot townhouse located in Shoreditch, London. It is stunning. This brand is all about bold print and colour and you're immersed into this world in the store. You can shop online too, of course, and they ship worldwide.
What's the damage?
House of Hackney describes itself as a luxury British design house so you can gather that prices are at the more expensive end. Most wallpaper is £185 a roll, so you don't want to be making any mistakes! Medium cushions start at £120 while table lamp sets range from £285 to £782.
If all that sounds a bit too pricey, a great entry point to the House of Hackney look is through the mugs priced £28 or a tea cosy at £25 to glam up your tea time. I have both and if you're ever round for tea and I bring them out, then you know I like you!
JONATHAN ADLER
Bold interiors finds: Glam ceramics from the Jonathan Adler warehouse sale
What they say: "We strive to create luxe and liveable interiors that are seriously designed, but don't take themselves too seriously."
What you'll find: Jonathan Adler is all about modern American glamour, often with a heavy dose of cheekiness. The brand started in the US and now has more than 25 stores worldwide, including two in London, and a website. You'll find everything from furniture and lighting to bath accessories and bedding. They believe minimalism is 'a bummer' and that is clear in the striking products which are also undeniably luxe. Brass and gold accents are common, as well as bold ceramics such as the Vice collection honouring all of 'life's little helpers'.
What's the damage?
The Jonathan Adler motto is 'if your heirs won't fight over it, we won't make it', and they have a 'commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and luxury'. So, if you're guessing this is another brand that's at the expensive end, then you'd be right. Armchairs are between £1,000 and £2,000; and a three-drawer chest is nudging £3,000.
Bowls and trays are a good entry way into the Jonathan Adler brand, starting at £24 for a zebra stacking dish. The one I have, pictured, is £32 full price, but I was lucky enough to make it to a warehouse sale so I got it slightly reduced (the vase was a massive bargain - woohoo!)
ROCKETT ST GEORGE
Bold interiors buys at the Rockett St George pop-up at Liberty London
What they say: "We continue to treasure hunt across the world in search of unique, glamorous, eclectic, witty and rock 'n' roll home accessories...that you cannot find elsewhere"
What you'll find: Rockett St George sells home accessories, furniture, lighting, kitchenware, art and gifts that are perfect if you like to decorate boldly and make a statement in your home. Bestselling pieces include the Rockett St George Leopard Love wallpaper, the Hampstead Gold Bar Stool and the Palm Tree Floor Light.
RSG is primarily online, but they do occasionally have pop-up shops and you can find them currently at Liberty London where they'll be until January 2019. I haven't checked out this latest pop-up, but I loved the last one they had at Liberty (pictured).
What's the damage?
RSG accessories start at very modest prices - yes! For example, you can get a tea light holder for £5 and that's not even in the sale. They have some great side tables that are under £100 and some real stunners if you can splash another £50 or £100. Lighting comes in at a range of price points, for example table lights range from £35 to £672. They have an outlet shop if you're looking for a real bargain, but you'll need to book an appointment.
So, happy shopping! Do you like these brands as much as I do? Are there any others you rely on? I'd love to hear your tips in the comments.
P.S. Don’t go yet!
If you like standing out from the crowd, you might like my posts about painting ceilings with colour -that’s right, they don’t HAVE to be white.
Thinking about dark walls. Here are my seven tips to get the look right.
Wallpaper is hot right now and the best looks are brave and bold. Find out the three key trends.
Swoon Editions are really upping their bold and glamour game. Check out my edit.
Victoria x
