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15 Jul 22

Trend report: Big Checks

Antipodream Thistle Check Duvet Cover Duvet covers SOCIETY OF WANDERERS 2 888x copy

Over here at Pattern Lovers HQ I am loving the new print on the block. The Big Check is sashaying its way into the fashion pages of interior style mags, filling up the shelves on the high street and will soon be swaggering into my home I’m sure when I can get round to/justify a cheeky little decor update. Now while we all love to fantasise about new trends, this one actually has a lot going for it. Big checks are a really useful tool, helping to break up a fight between fussy florals  or give a lack lustre room some punch. Big checks have oomph. While there is nothing new or exciting about the classic check (of which we are seeing everywhere too), these big scale checks and chequerboard prints are bold and unashamed and thats why we will be friends.

 

Take this fabulous Thistle Check Duvet Cover and co ordinating bedlinen from tastemakers Society of Wanderers at Antipodream. Fabulous! See what I mean by muscling in fabulously with the patterned wallpaper and stripped flat sheet. Pattern mashing heaven right there, along with the colour clash that’s going on it’s all rather thrilling. Getting in on this pattern trend is easy because my tip is, you don’t need too much of it. Have it as the main event, as in bedlinen or a sofa, or save it for an accent- on a lampshade or cushion. Scroll down to the end of this post for my edit of the best of the big checks to update your home.

Featured image at top: home of Featured image at top: home of @buchanan.studio Photographed by @david.fernandez.studio for @tmagazine

Instagram is a great place to get some big check inspiration. Historically interiors have always been adorned by chequerboard floors and I love their dramatic effect in small rooms like hallways or bathrooms. This candy colour schemed bathroom by the oh-so-talented designers at Buchanan Studio is a riot of checks. Head on over to their page @buchanan.studio  for the full reveal. Obviously you have to have quite a lot of conviction to do wall to wall chequerboard but the effect is visually dazzling. While the classic black and white is very high contrast and dramatic, picking tonal colours will give a more subtle effect. Still super cool though.

 

Checkerboard knight woven dhurrie by 8 Holland street x Vanderhurd

A big check or chequerboard pattern is strong enough to hold its own in a room and be the star of the show like this huge chequerboard rug by designers 8hollandstreet x Vanderhurd . I love the way it has a feeling of fun and frivolity about it so even in the most seriously contemplated and curated interior design spaces- it can punch through with some much needed jollity. I cant help thinking of clowns trousers when I think of big checks and I love interiors that don’t take themselves too seriously so that works for me.

The home of @Mullercanseveren

The classic chequerboard floor is a great place to introduce this big bold geometric and is a wonderful pattern addition to any maximalist interior.

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Lavender Fizz Full Ruffle Cushion Cover, £49, Antipodream | 2. Checkmate placemats, £102. Balu London | 3. Piero Footstool, Punch, £855, Ceruado | 4. Checkboard shaggy rug, £169, Urban Outfitters | 5. Joy of Print Checkerboard lampshade in Pomegranate, from £84, Rosie de Ruig | 6. Velvet checkmate studio chair, contact Buchanan Studio for further info.

7. Pile rug, £79.99, H&M | 8. Ella Chair Upholstered in Chubby Check by Kit Kemp, £845, Gabriella James | 9. Check print ceramic jug, £29, Monsoon | 10. Carlotta ottoman, £1.555, Ceraudo | 11. Checked cotton cushion cover, £12.99, H&M | 12. Royal Check Charger/Plate, £80, Mackenzie Childs at Amara | 13. Patterned porcelain mug, £2.99, H&M.

Featured image at top: home of @buchanan.studio Photographed by @david.fernandez.studio for @tmagazine

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One of the questions I’m asked more than any other One of the questions I’m asked more than any other is, “How do you choose the right paint colour?” My answer is always the same… please don’t rely on those tiny paint cards! They’re simply too small to judge a colour properly.

For my mum’s annexe makeover, we started with the inspiration, not the paint chart. She wanted to bring the magic of her garden indoors, so green was an obvious choice. I suggested introducing pink too because it’s one of my favourite colour combinations and always feels fresh and uplifting.

Once we’d shortlisted a few shades, we ordered tester pots and painted large A3 swatches. Trust me, this one simple trick will save you a lot of expensive decorating mistakes. Tape the samples to the wall, move them around the room and compare them together in different light before making your final decision.

We also used a beautiful painting by @sophieabbottartist to refine the palette. I love building colour schemes from artwork because the colours have already been thoughtfully brought together.

The final colours? Slaked Lime, Pea Green and Hellebore by @littlegreenepaintcompany 

Now it’s time to get the paint on the walls… come back soon to see the transformation.
June has been one of those months that fills your June has been one of those months that fills your creative cup. From inspiring days wandering London’s galleries and catching up with the design world at WOW!house and the Maison&Objet dinner at The Mandrake not to mention the coming together of my two favourite hotels in a design collaboration . But the summer heat called for slower moments with long lunches in the garden, sea swims and soaking up the sunshine. A beautiful reminder that inspiration often comes from balancing creativity with rest.

1. Hanging out in my favourite London spot @broadwicksoho 
2. and always head for the loos. top marks to @martinbrudnizki 
3. Hanging out to the Wow House @designcentrech with @mad_about_the_house 
4. Enjoying @interiordesignmasters and a close final between @liagoldinteriors @shaginterior 
5. Shop opening for @liefcollectivelewes in my local Lewes celebrating the wonderful jewellery designers @rawsolace  @vivienne.ridley 
6. London weekend on the south bank fuelled by coffee
7. Mesmerised by the colour palettes of @hurvinanderson at @tate 
8. Moved to tears by the big @traceyeminstudio retrospective 
9. Time for a big clear out and new mini makeover in one of the spare bedrooms pending ….
10. Wonderful lunch with friends hosted at the stunning home of @annastandish.interiors 
11. The only way to deal with the heat wave along the south coast was to hit the beach 
12. Pool party and a triple Sophie threat @sophieabbottartist @sophie_darling_ 
13. Hosted a Summer solstice celebration at home which involved making wild flower crowns…
14. … and a beautiful cooked lunch at home 
15. Reaping the rewards of Mums vegetable patch 
16. Planning a big colourful makeover in Mums annex inspired by her favourite @sophieabbottartist painting 
17. Celebrating the @elfennmarrakech x @broadwicksoho rooftop collaboration with @vanessabranson
18. The iconic @elfennmarrakech red and white stripes and Moroccan lanterns take over the London roof terrace at @broadwicksoho 
19. Celebrating women in design with @maisonetobjet at @themandrakehotel 
20. Beautiful dinner hosted by @maisonetobjet at @themandrakehotel  with sensational hotel interiors by @talafustokstudio
After a few very busy weeks and all of this unbeli After a few very busy weeks and all of this unbelievably hot weather, I need to remember sometimes to simply be more Lucy. 

Her Sundays are like nothing else. Curling up on my colourful cushions, finding the cosiest spots and always inserting herself into any task that requires no dog. Never underestimate the power of doing nothing and focusing on the things that fill your cup!
Marrakech is one of my greatest creative inspirati Marrakech is one of my greatest creative inspirations and one of the best places in the world to shop if you love colour, craft and beautiful things that tell a story. I’ve been visiting for years, leading retreats and filling embarrassingly large amounts of luggage, and I still come home buzzing every single time.

This city has never subscribed to the idea that less is more. It is pure, glorious, unapologetic abundance and if you are a maximalist at heart it will feel like coming home.

Swipe for my little black book of favourite shops, rug dealers, ceramicists, fragrance makers spontaneous finds - the places I return to again and again and recommend to everyone who asks.

And yes - bring an extra suitcase and fill it with things that just make you smile!! You will not regret it.

Comment ‘Maximalism’ and I’ll send you my recent blog post with web links and addresses. happy shopping!

@soufnyartgallery 
@studiolidmarrakech 
@pophamdesign 
@maison.blaoui 
@heritage.berbere 
@cotebougiemarrakech 
@elfennmarrakech
On the longest day of the year, I gathered twelve On the longest day of the year, I gathered twelve wonderful women beneath the shade of our willow tree to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

We were guided through a beautiful cacao ceremony by @alexadecastilho , created the most joyful flower crowns with @aliceeden , and spent the afternoon soaking up the golden sunshine, connection and conversation.

The Summer Solstice is a moment to honour the light, pause, reflect and give thanks for all that is flourishing in our lives. As I looked around at these incredible women, surrounded by nature and laughter, I felt such deep gratitude.
I feel very blessed to be able to open my home in this way and create space for creativity, friendship and celebration.
Here’s to sunshine, sisterhood and the simple joy of being together. ✨☀️🌿
Marrakech has completely stolen my heart... There Marrakech has completely stolen my heart...

There really is nowhere else quite like it. The colour, the creativity, the beautiful chaos of the souks, and the endless treasure hunting. I’ve been visiting for years and I never come home empty-handed. My suitcase is usually bursting with ceramics, textiles, scents and slippers and little trinkets that find their way into my home and wardrobe.

What I love most is the Moroccan approach to decorating. Homes feel collected rather than curated, layered with handmade pieces, vintage finds and bold design choices that tell a unique story. It’s maximalism at its most artful and soulful, rich in colour, craftsmanship and personality.

I’ve pulled together this edit of the things I always bring home, along with some of my favourite makers, ateliers and artisan shops that I return to time and time again.

A highlight of my year is when I get to share it all with a wonderful group of colour-loving creatives on my Moroccan Interiors & Styling Retreat at the glorious @elfennmarrakech . Think inspiring workshops, artisan visits, medina adventures, delicious food and the kind of conversations that leave you buzzing with ideas. And their boutique is a must see shopping destination for the best in contemporary Moroccan design.

Want my Marrakech shopping wish list for bringing a little Moroccan magic into your own home without having to pack the suit case and hop on the plane? Comment MARRAKECHMAGIC below and I’ll send it straight to you.

Meanwhile here is my list of go to boutiques and shops for when you plan your visit:
@poterieserghini 
@pophamdesign 
@we_are_roxas 
@maison.blaoui 
@hanoutboutique 
@soufnyartgallery 
@sahanamarrakech
@heritageberbere 
@lallamarrakech
@heritage.berbere 
@ourikathelabel 
@studiolidmarrakech 
@elfennmarrakech
AD It’s not too late!!! My exclusive collaboration AD It’s not too late!!! My exclusive collaboration with @dunelmuk is coming to an end but it’s not too late to snap up some of my uniquely designed pieces online or in store. This has without doubt been quite the career highlight, sharing my love of bold colour, unapologetic pattern and more-is-more aesthetic with this leading UK high street retailer to bring you my maximalist tool kit. So if you’ve had your eye on anything within my exclusive collection this is my reminder to snap it up now, while stocks last. 

Please let me know what have been your favourite pieces from this collection. I love to learn how they have been used in your own home. 

And take a little comfort, I’ve got plenty more exciting product launches planned this year and beyond so watch this space!
The WOW!house at dcch is one of my favourite event The WOW!house at dcch is one of my favourite events in the interiors calendar. Think of it as the design Olympics, where the industry’s biggest names are given free rein to dream big, push creative boundaries and showcase the very best in craftsmanship.

This is where you’ll find extraordinary fabrics,  wallcoverings, breathtaking joinery, sculptural lighting and decorative details that make your heart skip a beat. Budget takes a back seat and unbridled creative ambition takes the wheel.

What I loved most this year was the sheer diversity of design. From full-fat maximalism to serene minimalism, every room had its own unique story to tell. Yet a common thread emerged: retreat, cocooning and comfort. Rich deep colours, layered super soft textures and immersive spaces designed to help us slow down and escape the noise of modern life.

Here are a few of my favourites. The exhibition runs until the end of the month and I can highly recommend a visit. I never wanted to leave.

#WOWHouse26

@benjaminmooreuk 
@younghuh 
@blackedition_byromo 
@studioduggan 
@studioenass 
@zardi_and_zardi 
@seansymington 
@martin_kemp_design 
@roisinlafferty 
@schumacher1889 
@max_rollitt 
@salvesengraham 
@perennialssutherland_uk 
@fettledesign 
@elicyon 
@nucleus_av 
@russellsagestudio
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