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Objects of Design #214: Decorators Notebook Launch: Lighting

Where to start today? It’s 1 October, which means a new series of Objects of Design. And this month, what with the nights drawing in, the potatoes baking and the lure of the cashmere socks, it feels like it’s time to address lighting, as promised yesterday.

Pallet light shades small ú30 large ú70 Decorator's Notebook
Pallet light shade, £30 small or £70 large

But we also have news. Today is the day that Decorator’s Notebook opens its (virtual) doors for trading. And I’m thrilled to be able to give you a little preview on launch day.

Pallet shade small close up
Made from salvaged pallet wood, the shades are non-electric, simple to assemble without screws or glue and fix easily over an existing bulb. Designed and made in Sussex.

I’ve long been a fan of the gorgeous blog run by Bethan and her brother Joe and a shop seemed like a natural progression. A former magazine journalist and stylist, Bethan started the blog (as so many of us do) as a place to document all the products, styling ideas and inspiration she came across in her work.

Feather vases ú34 each Decorator's Notebook
Feather vases, £34 each

“At the same time, I was interviewing homelovers all over the world for my day job (I specialise in reader home stories for glossy mags) and when asking people about their favourite thing in their home the answer was almost always something that had a story behind it,” she says.

Burren waffle cushion ú60 Decorator's Notebook
Burren waffle cushion, £60
Designed and handmade in the UK by Ciara McGarrity. Ciara is originally from Ireland and the colours of the cushion are inspired by the rare plants and flowers that grow in the Burren, an amazing limestone plateau in County Clare

“I noticed a real yearning to know the origins of the items we surround ourselves with in our homes that was often at odds with the same mass produced homewares I saw again and again. That’s how the idea for the Decorator’s Notebook shop came about and I joined forces with my brother Joe to bring it to life.”

Pair of Beeswax Candles ú8.50 Decorator's Notebook
Beeswax candles, £8.50 (pair)

The siblings enrolled on a business course and have spent almost a year sourcing products from all over the world. Several of their products, including the fire screen and the Burren waffle cushion are exclusive.

Walnut eating spoon ú25 each Decorator's Notebook
Walnut wood eating spoon, £25 each
Traditionally made in small batches from wood gathered in Somerset where walnut trees are rare so stock is limited.

“I’d describe the Decorator’s Notebook look as authentic and simple – our products combine quality natural materials with thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship and interesting origins.

Welsh wool blanket - Easterly ú230 Decorator's Notebook
Easterly Welsh blanket, £230
This throw has all the softness and reassuring weight you’d expect from a traditional Welsh blanket, but it’s the contemporary graphic pattern and punchy colours that secured its place in our collection.

“Each product has been chosen because it has a story behind it: our terracotta tableware is made in India by a co-operative that promotes the empowerment of women; our Welsh blankets are woven at one of the last remaining woollen mills in Wales and our dipped beeswax candles are made by people with learning disabilities in the Yorkshire Dales supported by a wonderful charity.”

Feux de Camp screen print ú60 Decorator's Notebook
Campfire screen print (A2) £60

I would love to show you more but you should really head over to their shop and let them show you around themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

4 Comments

  1. What lovely pieces! There’s definitely a trend at the moment for knowing where our items have come from, rather than going for mass-produced homeware. People are looking for skilled craftsmanship and interesting, stand out pieces. It’s clear to see that these products are all of the highest quality, and charmingly unique. I personally love anything with such an authentic and rustic wooden look.

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