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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
“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.”
I would love to show you more but you should really head over to their shop and let them show you around themselves.
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.
Hi Kate, thrilled to finally see a great UK/ London home design blog.
Hi! I have replied to the rest of your email privately. Let me know if you haven’t received it, Kate.
Thank you for the lovely feature Kate! This is most definitely an adventure for us but we’re loving every minute and it’s so fun to be finally show people what Decorator’s Notebook is about.