While the British public is still agonising over staying in or getting out of the EU, I have focused on the more enjoyable task of sourcing the best of both worlds and beyond. Let me take your mind off this important debate for a moment and join me on my journey to local and far flung places, discovering a world of interior ideas which knows no boundaries. 

As you will see by looking at my choice of products, stylish interiors don’t have to mean large budgets. Ultimately it comes down to a well put together and thought-through cocktail of furniture, accessories and colours. Mix one or two high-end pieces with budget items and an entire room can look as if you have spent a fortune. My summer blog will hopefully give you some new ideas about how to change or just add some accents to a fresh interior for the new season and beyond. 

 

 

 

These fun chairs are just perfect for mixing and matching bringing a bright and fun element to the living space, Moresque Chair, £398 each, www.anthropologie.com

 

 

 

This stylish lampshade designed by Ptolemy Mann and made by hand in North London is a new take on the traditional Ikat design, £82, www.ptolemymannshop.com

 

 

 

 

No need to feel ‘prickly’ when sitting on these chairs.  A cultural blend of Mexican and European influences, these chairs embrace cross border fusion, The Prickly Pair Chairs, www.valentinagw.com

 

 

 

Polly Granville breathes new life into old furniture with her creative approach to upholstery. She describes her work as having “one foot in the past, but with a beady eye on the future”,       www.pollygranville.com

 

 

  

A stylish mirror such as this can do wonders for a room and add light to a space, £24.95, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

 

 

 

Going with the current trend and love for Ikat designs, this colourful lampshade brings an otherwise neutral room scheme to life, £220, www.susandeliss.com

 

 

  

 

This bedside table is a perfect example that stylish design can be affordable, Navy Empire 2-drawer Nightstand, £114.49, www.overstock.com

 

 

 

 

This company has just opened a shop in Bath. It is selling beautiful fabrics, bedspreads and other home accessories. I fell in love with this ready-made curtain adding a fresh look to a room, Lined Cotton Curtain Panel, £69, www.indigoandwills.com - products can be shipped abroad.

 

 

 

Inspired by peacock feathers, this rug shows off a vibrant palette of colours, Nomadic, available in different sizes, from £100, www.plantationrug.co.uk

  

 

 

 

 Relax after a hard days work on this stylish day bed, Buxton, £649, www.swooneditions.com

 

 

 

For a stylish yet understated look, this stunning cushion would be one of my top picks, White Anatolian I, £180, www.irvingandmorrison.com

 

 

 

 

If deciding whether to choose pattern or neutral is just too difficult, these reversible bed throws with their pom-pom ‘trimmings’ will give you both options, (220cm x 240cm), Pom Pom Reversible Linen Bed Throw, £220, www.indigoandwills.com

 

 

 

  

 

For those who have gone for the ‘all white’ look but like to inject a bit of colour, this lamp would be a perfect match, Lakai Handprinted Table Lamp, Large, £155, www.okadirect.com

 

 

 

 

We all need storage boxes/baskets in different shapes and sizes. You might as well do it in style with this decorative set of 3 baskets, £106, Blue & White Strapping Band Storage Baskets, £106, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

 

 

 

 

No need to hop on a plane to soak up the spirit of Ottoman culture! This 2-seater handmade sofa upholstered with silk and navy blue cotton duck fabric presents a view of historical Istanbul’s Bosphorus during the Ottoman Empire, Bosphorus Wing Sofa, £1847.25, namedesignstudio via www.etsy.com

 

 

 

This Suzani Cushion with its detailed embroidery and classic colours, is a perfect choice for updating an old sofa or armchair, Wilhelmina Embroided Suzani Pillow Cover, £48.18,  www.potterybarn.com

 

 

 

 

The Chevron Shelving Unit is a really versatile and easy-to-place piece of furniture and ideal for a contemporary look, £449, www.atkinandthyme.co.uk

 

  

 

 

         

This seriously ‘cool’ and revolutionary design might even tempt those who are not into ‘caravanning’ around the countryside. It can be used as a normal caravan but can also turn into a boat and can be custom-made with various additional features. For a romantic short break ‘a deux’ this might just be the one thing to impress someone who you want to treat to something unusual, Sealander, the swimming Caravan, www.drupal-sealander.de

 

 

Those with a passion for geology would no doubt be thrilled to see this gem of a table looking like a geode as a special feature in their home, Privilege Contemporary Gold Leaf Metal Accent Table, £80.98, www.overstock.com

 

 

 

Whether you are looking for accessories on a budget or just love a good design, this cushion cannot fail to impress, Cushion Cover Ikat, cushionbarn_uk via www.ebay.co.uk

This armchair is a lovely mix of a country-style chair with a contemporary update, Elodie Armchair in Pattaya blue print, £469, www.swooneditions.com

These contemporary outdoor chairs look so stylish, you might be quite tempted to use them indoors too. They can be supplied as a 4 or 6 seater and come with the dining table, from £699, www.wayfair.com

 

 

 

 

 

This beautifully embroided fabric will look stunning whether you use it as a bedcover or over a sofa. A mix of silk and cotton with silk embroidery it sends you straight down ‘Silk Route Lane’. Produced in Uzbekistan and shipped to many international destinations, £105.86, SunSilkFlowers via www.etsy.com

 

 

 

 

 This console table is gorgeously geometrical and looks good whether used for traditional or contemporary interiors, Sculpted Geo Console - Parchment, £499, www.westelm.co.uk

  

 

 

 

These lampshades are a great choice if you are going for the breezy seaside look; one can almost smell the sea! Grain Sack Lampshade - 30cm - Blue or Red, £35, HomeEnvyLtd via www.etsy.com

 

 

 

Why pay over the odds if you can get your hands on one of these stunning Ikat Kantha Quilts. Produced in and shipped to Europe from India it is an absolute steal at only £43.99 for a Queen size Quilt, Ikat Bedspread Kantha Blanket, craftaura12 via www.ebay.co.uk

 

 

 

 

This is a truly sensational console table. The fusion of Moorish and contemporary design make it easy to place this lovely piece of furniture with different interior styles, Beatrix Console,    www.onekingslane.com (although this company does not ship outside the US, it recommends shipping companies on its website that can do so)

 

 

 

 

Only the best will do for this well-established company offering beautiful products and counting royalty among its list of clients, www.robertkime.com

 

 

 

 

Relax in this comfortable chair and imagine yourself sitting in a typical Parisian bistro watching the world go by, French Bistro Chair, £99, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 Samarkand Design is a wonderful company and one of my latest and favourite finds.  Most lampshades are bespoke, made with silk saree fabrics which have been sourced by the owner directly in India or hand-block cotton fabrics. Every saree shade is different and you can be sure that you will not see them anywhere else. In addition to the products shown on the website, saree fabrics can be sourced and used for lampshades based on the customer’s brief and requirements, Indigo Zigzag Hand-Block Cotton Lampshade (50cm), £135, www.samarkanddesign.com

 

 

 

 

                                             

Recycling old things does not mean,  having to dig through every bin in the neighbourhood hoping to find something worthy for your home. Do it in style instead and get your hands on vintage grain sacks. Due to their width, they also lend themsleves well to turning them into wider bench cushions or smaller one's as this one for your sofa or armchair.....and of course very much the trendy thing to have, Pillow Cover with Embroided and Customizable Initials , approx £24.27, garanceetkaki via www.etsy.com   

 Make the outdoors look as stylish as your interior with this very good-looking outdoor dining table, Conisbrough Dining Table, £2175, www.okadirect.com

 

 

 

 

If your living space is crying out for something colourful and a striking pattern, this sofa will deliver! Leveseat - deep blue, £1385.44, namedesignstudio via www.etsy.com

 

 

 

 

Alternatively if your interior is in need of a sleek and contemporary piece of furniture, this eye-catching bench covered in a tufted white eco-leather will add a very visual statement, Oppland White Upholstered Tufted Gold Bench, at a real steal at only £375.66, www.overstock.com

 

 

 

Not sure what I find more attractive about this Pouffe, the design or the fact that it carries the same name as our son? Jasper Pouffe, Persia Blue, £99, www.swooneditions.com

 

 

 

 

 

This water jug is perfect for entertaining. It is larger than the average water jug and the design is absolutely stunning; just perfect for al fresco entertaining! The jug comes in 3 different colours, Glass Bubble Jug, £42, www.okadirect.com 

 

 

 

 

A very stylish reminder of sun, sand and sea especially if you have just returned from one of those memorable trips, Abbyson Living Stacked Sea Urchin Lamp, £158.79 (set of 2 lamps),     www.overstock.com

 

 

 

Based on a sofa manufactured by Gillows for Uppark, a fantastic Queen Anne house in Sussex, this sofa is a fine example how to bring out the best of the old and the new, Uppark, £6,836, Max Rollitt Antiques Interiors, www.maxrollitt.com

 

 

 

With a design reminiscent of British seaside awnings, the Porthallow Lamp will add coastal charm to your room scheme, £155, www.okadirect.com

 

  

 

Add an exotic touch to a bedroom with this headboard inspired by the classic Moorish arch, www.onekingslane.com

 

 

 

Why pay over the odds when you can get the same type cushions for a fraction of designer prices. These very pretty cushions are shipped directly from Uzbekistan to Europe, Uzbek Silk Hand Embroided Suzani Pillow Cases, sold as a pair for approx £35.54, uzdecor-com via www.ebay.co.uk

 

 

This vintage-looking console table adds depth and character to your space, Hand Painted Distressed Turquoise Finish Console Table, £364.04, www.overstock.com

 

 

 

 

 

Decorative urns from Thailand, the inspiration for this original lamp design, Sukhothai Table Lamp, £125, www.okadirect.com

 

 

 

                 

One can't fail to admire the craftsmanship and detailed work which has gone into these beautiful Anatolian cushions, Silk Suzani Pillow Cushion Cover, approx £63.27, anatolian_designs via www.ebay.co.uk

 

 

With its vintage look one might think it was bought in a souk down the silk road, Kapona Tray Table, £108, www.anthropologie.com

 

 

Inject a bit of retro and Bohemian flair with this decorative white wooden sideboard covered in   rattan, Peacock Wood and Rattan Sideboard, £329.90, www.maisondumonde.com

 

 

 

 

Another favourite of Samarkand Design lampshades made with silk saree fabric offering a very unique and distinguished look, 40cm lampshade, £150, www.samarkanddesign.com

 

 

 

 

This stunning wall light could add a wonderful oriental touch to a space on the wall,  www.soane.co.uk

This cove-backed sofa teams turned legs with a cotton dhurrie tapestry of washed hues and heavy weave giving it an interesting and vintage look, Osbourne Three-Seater Sofa, £749, www.swooneditions.com 

 

 

 

 

Good-looking storage solutions for small items are not always easy to find. Whether kindle wood, toys, trinkets or plants, this bright tub will hold it all! Stag horn Coral Metal Tub, £85,  www.okadirect.com. 

Add a touch of Bohemian living with this colourful stool, Bohemian 2/3 seater sofa in pink, £199.90, www.maisondumonde.com

 

 

 

 

For those who have the ‘cash to splash’ and like to entertain in style, these dining chairs are a must have, Rider Dining chair, www.jonathanadler.com

 

 

 

                      

Enjoy the outdoors indoors and treat yourself to a lovely original piece of art by Mary Liddell, (10x12 inches), £500 each, www.maryliddellartist.com

 

 

 

 

 

 If you love bright colours and are looking for a true statement piece, this cabinet covered in 'aqua leather' would be one of my top picks. It works with so many different interior styles and in case the colour is a bit too much on the bright side, you can choose from a range of other leather colours, Bddw-Leather-Credenza Cabinet, www.bddw.com

 

  

 

 

If you happen to spend you summer holiday in Turkey and like to bring one of these lovely sofas upholstered in vintage Suzani back as a souvenir, you will not have to argue with the airport check-in desk about oversize luggage. The company will ship worldwide. Suzani 2-seater Sofa - Spring, £1634.10, namedesignstudio via www.etsy.com

 

 

 

 

For a touch of the exotic, go for this hand carved Mango wood dresser, Salvador Mango Wood China Cabinet, £899.90, www.maisondumonde.com/UK

 

 

 

 

From ‘Mexico with love’ is this very bright and jolly Pouf with its beautifully crafted needlework of the Otomi peoples who settled in the central region of Mexico, Round Coral and Aqua Pouf, £204.82, CasaOtomi via www.etsy.com (ship worldwide)

Sitting round this coffee table, I can just see myself sipping a strong local coffee in Marrakesh’s old town, Guildmaster Marrakesh Coffee Table, £833.04, www.overstock.com

  

 

Inject a fresh summer breeze into your bedroom with this bright and fun Ikat quilt, Ikat Quilt King Orange, £38.18, itembazaar via www.ebay.co.uk

 

 

If your hallway cries out for a makeover and can take a larger piece of furniture, this absolutely stunning and unique Gustavian bench will certainly breathe a new lease of life into your space. You need to go for it soon as it is a one-off piece and might be gone by the time you make up your mind, Large Gustavian Hall Bench, £3,250,  Lorfords Antiques via www.decorativecollective.com 

 

 

 

 

Whether you like to inject some colour or need to cover up an old table when entertaining, this pretty tablecloth will make a huge difference, www.indigoandwills.com

 

 

 

 

No need to take part in archaeological digs to get your hands on one of these bowls and vases, which are inspired by medieval archaeological finds. They don’t take well to water but can be used for artificial flowers or you can put a cachepot with water and a fresh plant inside. Jadis Bowl, www.okadirect.com

 

 

 

 

With its bright birds and botanical images, these cushions are a lovely choice for a conservative or a summer room, Bird Scarf Print Pillow Cover, £31.99, www.potterybarn.com

 

  

 

 

Lounge by the pool or on the beach in style with this very eye-catching beach towel which comes in different colours, Alabat Beach Towel by John Robshaw, $80, www.neimanmarcus.com

‘The walls are not enough’ when it comes to adding artistic features to your interior. This Cabinet will certainly provide a show stopping feature to your living space, Intarsia Cabinet by Emilio Tadini, Laura Meroni, EUROS 7890, www.artemest.com

 

 

 

 

“Immediately when you arrive in the Sahara, for the first or the tenth time, you notice the stillness. Presently, you will either shiver and hurry back inside the walls of your Forgotten City, or you will go on standing there and let something very peculiar happen to you, something that everyone who lives there has undergone and which the French call le baptise de solitude”, Paul Bowles (1949). Inspirational painting called ‘Forgotten City’ by artist Emma Rose, www.emmaroseartworks.com

 

 

 

 

This stunning sofa is upholstered in a combination of ‘Cumatz’ and ‘Luna’ handcrafted brocade textiles featuring 15 individual brocade panels, each taking a weaver 1 month to achieve. The company works with Maya weaving cooperatives in Guatemala to create these works of art and cloth. This sofa can be commissioned in any combination of available tapestries to create a bespoke piece, Ashbourne Sofa - Cumatz & Chingo Brocade, £5,200, www.arumfellow.com

 

 

 

For entertaining your guests, this beverage dispenser is one of my top picks, Trio Beverage Dispenser, $69.95, www.zgallerie.com

 

 

 

Inspired by a Moroccan iron architectural fragment, the distressed white grille effect of this end  table brings an open and airy feel to transitional rooms, Haverford Side Table by Safavieh, £114.99, www.wayfair.co.uk

 

 

 

 

The Shibori designs of this collection are inspired by the ancient Japanese tie-dying technique used to produce fine and subtle hue variations in textiles. Made of Melamine, they are ideal for a stylish picnic, Shibori Melamine Salad Plates - Mixed Set of 4, £21.05, www.potterybarn.com

This lovely hand blown lamp is bang on trend looking good with many interior styles. The pretty lamp shade is sold by the same company, Elsa Table Lamp Base in Olive, £100 (lamp base only), www.pooky.com

  

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine your walls lit up by these stunning wall mounted tea light holders creating a very            atmospheric mood to your living space, Wall Mounted Kasba Tea Light Holder, £69,   www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

 

 

 

 

This hand-gathered vintage silk lampshade with golden and coloured thread embroidery is a one off so you need to be quick if you want to own this shade at its reduced price, Vintage Silk Lampshade, £160 (special offer on a one-off), www.susandeliss.com

 

 

 

 

 

Ideal for those cool evenings on the terrace when the ‘heat is not on’, this stunning sculptural fire pit with an African Safari scene, gives you the ‘Out of Africa’ experience without having to travel thousands of miles, The Africa Ball, www.thefirepitcompany.co.uk

These exceptionally beautiful Murano glasses are made by hand using a particular technique based on centuries of old traditions and are truly miniature artworks. They will no doubt give your guests a truly special al fresco dining experience and become the talking point round your dining table, Set of 6 Sealife  Murano Glasses, Frare Lavorazioni Artistic Vetro, www.artemest.com

This very decorative bench was handmade by local villagers in the Jodhpur area, Herat Oriental Indo Handmade Wool & Jute upholstered Wooden Bench, £231.50, www.overstock.com

 

 

 

Storage shelves need not be boring as this wire-door cabinet proves. It is looking lovely and just a very useful piece of furniture to have in your home, Washed Green Wooden Wire-Door Cabinet, £362.71, www.overstock.com

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for just a touch of colour and pattern, this armchair sits very pretty amongst most room schemes, www.indigoandwills.com

 

 

 

The colours of this rug are very discreet yet add some warmth and body to a room, Hand Knotted Vege Dyed Bamboo Silk & Wool Ikat Oushak Rug, approx £2830.72, newyorkruggallery via www.ebay.co.uk

 

  

 

For those who don’t have the space or budget to go for an outdoor sofa and dining set, this corner sofa with a matching dining table and stools are a brilliant find and affordable compromise,  Palermo Rattan Effect Garden Corner Sofa Set, £599, www.homebase.co.uk

 

 

 

The beautifully designed painted steel and bronze banquette is a beautiful example of the furniture designer Francis Sultana’s work. An internationally acclaimed and celebrated furniture designer, he draws his inspiration predominantly from his travels and the haute-couture. It is worth taking a look at his website and browsing through some of his other inspirational designs, Hydra Banquette, www.francissultanan.com

 

 

  

No, it is not a flying carpet, but a very original beach blanket which can also double up as a yoga mat, Indian Star Round Mandala Yoga Mat, £18.99, handicraft-palace via www.ebay.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Come the summer season, I am always on the look-out for outdoor dining chairs which differ from the usual designs. These chairs just look good and come with a reasonable price tag, Christopher Knight Home Adriana PE Wicker Outdoor Chairs, £208.10 (Set of 2), www.overstock.com

 

 

 

This outdoor low voltage chandelier takes atmospheric lighting to new heights. It has 5 replaceable bright LED bulbs and has been almost completely coated in clear frosted rubber to make it waterproof and give it an icy, frosted look. It is supplied with a 10 metre power cable and door plug (additional 10m extensions can be ordered), Ice Queen Outdoor LED Garden Chandelier, £1,212, www.rocketstgeorge.co.uk

 

 

 

 

For those who love Moorish interiors, this stone-effect mirror is a super find, Moroccan Moorish Vintage Mirror (rustic stone effect), £69, BRIGHTONROC via www.etsy.com

 

 

 

 

Complete the Moorish look with this silk hand-gathered lampshade. There is only one in stock so you need to hurry to get your hands on it, Vintage Silk Lampshade “Fanfan”, £220,  www.susandeliss.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set the tone for a fun evening and use these pieces of furniture to play ‘Musical Chairs’ as after dinner entertainment.  The Quartet Chair comes in the following models, Alto, Soprano, Baritone, Tenor, £432 each, www.okadirect.com

 

 

 

 

If you really want to stand out from the picnic crowd and are happy to splash out on something quite unique, go for this luxury “meals on wheels” picnic hamper. Using an inclusive golf trolley for mobility and easy transport, it is made up of 3 detachable modules, Galloway Picnic Hamper, £599 The Gourmet Trotter Company via www.notonthehighstreet.com

 

 

 

 

Another favourite of mine is this decorative table lamp displaying inverted crescents of marble set in a brass base, Crescent Table Lamp in White Marble, £165 (base only), www.pooky.com

 

 

 

 

Another must-have for the smart picnic set which does not break the bank is this outdoor accessory which looks like a chic handbag but turns into picnic rug, British Wool Picnic Carry Blanket, £49, Atlantic Blankets via www.notonthehighstreet.com

 

 

 

 

Treat your bed and yourself to something new and different with this ethnic quilt in the bright and     rediscovered mustard and white colouring, Mustard Voile Cotton Quilt, (240cm x 200cm), £155, The Forest & Co via www.notonthehighstreet.com

 

 

 

 

For those who like a bit of pattern on their picnic blanket, these are a great find. You can be sure to get some very admiring glances from the crowds near you, Waterproof Picnic Blanket Curtis Macon Saffron, Modern Cabin via www.etsy.com 

 

 

 

 

As some of you might have already noticed, yellow is back! For those who don’t dare go for the all out yellow look again but like to keep up with the latest trends, go for this very jolly and eye-catching lampshade, www.pooky.com

 

 

 

Decisions, decisions….which is the prettiest on the wall? I couldn’t resist throwing these arched mirrors into the mix of Moorish mirror designs in this blog which come in two different sizes, Arched Mirror, special offer from £126, www.nordichouse.co.uk

 

 

 

 

This is a delicious stylish and crisp lampshade which has a hugely stylish and versatile colour and pattern. Whether you need to tone down a busy room or like to introduce a little bit of pattern, this lampshade fits all! It feels and looks expensive and if you could only choose one lampshade, this would be my very top choice. As most of this company’s designs are unique with most shades being covered in saree fabrics, you would need to make this or any other models your own without hesitating to avoid losing out, 40cm Grey & White Cotton Voile Lampshade, £95, www.samarkanddesign.com

 

 

 

 

Add a bit of interest to a plain staircase, other surfaces or walls with this decorative Zinc Frieze. Don’t get too cross though if your offspring use chalk pen to add their own ‘personal’ touch!, Decorative Zinc Frieze, £27.50, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Whether you are in need of room dividers, screens, window shutters, decorative panels or other accessories for interiors, these decorative metal laser-cut products which work for commercial and residential properties are well worth considering, www.lacefurniture.co.uk

 

 

 

 

This super blanket hand-made by Berber artisans in Morocco’s Atlas region decorated with large pom poms, is an absolute hit, Moroccan Wool Blanket With Pom Poms, £147.92 (other sizes available), naturalandberbers via www.etsy.com (shipping worldwide from Morocco)

 

 

No need to spend hours collecting shells to get your hands on a table like this. This two-tone geometric metal framed coffee table features a cement board top decorated with faux cowrie shells….just sit back and dream of white sandy beaches! Daphne Coffee Table, £1,895,  www.andrewmartin.co.uk

This pretty lampshade is all about injecting little eye-catching touches to a neutral room scheme, 30cm Straight Empire Shade in Gold Block Printed Cotton, £45 (other sizes available), www.pooky.com

 

 

 

 

This quilt is so inviting, you would want to have a lye-in every morning, Otsu Quilt, £119, www.anthropologie.com

 

 

Almost straight out of Africa is this fun Safari plate set designed by Z Galleries in-house designer.

 

 

SEASONAL INSPIRATION FOR THIS SUMMER AND BEYOND

Studio Alidad, studioalidad.com

 

Via www.housebeautiful.co.uk

 

 

Via www.housetohome.co.uk

 

 

 Homes-Gardens-Summer via www.google.com

 

 

hc Stephen Gambrel walls upholstered in Ikat from Uzbek