This October support British wool, be bold with new paint colours, and have fun playing with pattern from scatter cushions to wallpaper
Draw to a close
As the days grow cooler and the autumn nights draw in it is time to transition your spaces for the new season. Window treatments are a quick and easy room update and heavy, thermal curtains are great for draught proofing, too. British designer Susie Watson’s new fabric design, Natasha, is an Uzbek-style print inspired by her travels. It is handprinted on a heavy, rustic linen, which has been stone-washed for a soft vintage feel. The fabric hangs beautifully, so is ideal for curtains or blinds and is available in three colour combinations: Smokey Blue, Dusky Pink and Summer Green (pictured), priced £95 per m.
A NATURAL BEAUTY
To coincide with Wool Month, which runs 3-30 October, The British Blanket Company has launched its first-ever collection of throws and cushions made from 100 per cent British wool. Using undyed yarns in shades of cream, grey and brown, each design showcases the natural beauty of this under-appreciated fibre. ‘It’s incredibly sad that British wool – once a treasured commodity – has fallen from favour and much of it goes to waste,’ explains co-founder Bethan John. ‘We wanted to celebrate the heritage of British wool and highlight just how beautiful, sustainable and cosy it can be.’ The throws, hand-finished with a traditional blanket stitch edge, are priced from £159.99; square cushion covers, £49.99.
The bee’s knees
Rich coloured florals and luxurious texture are at the heart of the new Will Bees Bespoke homeware collection. The Bee Garden floral fabrics have been designed exclusively for the Salcombe-based brand by Emma Mawston, former head of design at Liberty Art Fabrics, after a chance meeting at the Chelsea Flower Show. Spot the humble bumble bee in the designs, which celebrate the beauty of nature found on the Devon coastline. Founder Will Bees supports the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and works closely with the charity to help raise funds. The Bee Garden design has been applied to lampshades and cushions made using sustainable viscose velvet, and the fabric is also sold by the metre – suitable for upholstery and soft furnishings. Lampshades from £90; cushions start at £89.95; fabric, £120 per m.
BOOKWORM
Learn how to create beautiful, botanical artworks to display around your home. In A Year Of Watercolour: A Seasonal Guide to Botanical Watercolour Painting, by Harriet de Winton (£18.99, Ilex Press) the award-winning artist and tutor guides you through 30 step-bystep botanical paintings – from autumn leaves to snowdrops in the winter; cherry blossom in spring to wildflowers in the summer. Suitable for beginners and more accomplished watercolour enthusiasts alike, Harriet’s third bo
