Deco-Style in London

Cecconi's Mayfair, London

I'll admit, I love restaurant design.  Restaurants incorporate everything I love about kitchens but are an opportunity to feature more daring design elements.  I dream of designing one some day!

Bar at Cecconi's Mayfair, London

Cecconi's in Mayfair is one of my favorite restaurants.  Or should I say restaurant designs? Located in the cutest London neighborhood, Cecconi's has an amazing design.

Map of Mayfair by Nina Chakrabarti

Thanks to my dad (aka Zagat's biggest fan), we ate their on a trip in 2006.  I can't say I remember what I had to eat, but I definitely remember the decor!  The lovely black and white striped floor - I'm a sucker for black and white, what can I say? - the green deco booths, mirrored wall, and gorgeous marble bar.  All-in-all it's a gorgeous example of Deco-style.

 

Coachman's Cottage, Cumbria

I'm taking a little liberty with March's "hotel" of the month.  This one is a technically a cottage, but I loved it so much, I just had to share!

The Coachman's Cottage in Silverbank, Coniston, Cumbria (how's that for a mouthful?) is the most perfect vacation rental!  I found it while browsing the travel section in The Guardian.  Have you checked out their website?  They have great travel information on not only the UK, but destinations around the world.  Many a Saturday afternoon has been spent planning future vacations! I recently stumbled upon a slideshow, Cool Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.  And, I've been dying to go to the Lake District since seeing Renee Zellweger in Miss Potter, so I was intrigued. 

For those of you not familiar with the Lake District, it is a mountainous region in Northwest England.  The typography, mountains & lakes, make it the most damp region in England -- part of what I loved about Miss Potter (I <3 fog!). 

The Lake District, England

Coniston Water from Holme Fell

The Coachman's Cottage is an 18th-century, one-bedroom cottage decorated in all shades of white and wood.  I love the vintage and classic British elements - the linen club chair, radiators, wood-burning stove - mixed with the more modern - Ghost chair, upholstered headboard, vessel sinks.  The whole look is cohesive and just seems so peaceful!  It can be yours for just £570/week!

Bedroom

Bedroom

Living Room

Entry/Kitchen

Kitchen

Lake District View

Front Door

Bathroom

Has anyone traveled to England's Lake District?  Any traveling tips?

Delish Dinnerware

Black Toast & Marmalade Table Setting

As some of you may know *ahem, Mom*, before moving into my current apartment, I had been searching for new dinnerware for months.  My previous dishware was from good ole' IKEA and it served it purpose but I was ready for something classic and grown-up.  I had hoped to add some Brit style to my kitchen, but alas, my budget just didn't allow it.  I ended up going with something as American as apple pie -- Fiestaware.  Indecisive as usual, I couldn't commit to a color, so I chose white.  I mixed and matched some Latte Bowls from Anthropologie to add some color.  I'm SO happy with my decision as they fit perfectly with the loft aesthetic I'm going for here!

But, I happened upon two great British dinnerware manufacturers during my search.  I'll definitely be saving up for one (or both of these) in the future.  My dream is to have tons of different settings and mix and match as my heart desires.

I first saw T.G. Green & Company in Elle Decoration UK.  They make gorgeous Cornishware that's been a British icon since the 1920's.  Blue and white is their classic pattern, but the new red and white is divine, too.

T.G. Green Table Setting

T.G. Green Cup & Saucer

T.G. Green Mortise & Pestle

T.G. Green Cotton Wool Jar

T.G. Green Red Table Setting

T.G. Green Tea Jar

T.G. Green Utensil Jar

T.G. Green Seconds & Discontinued

How cute is that little "Cotton Wool" jar?  Love it! They are adding new items all the time, so they offer lots of great sales on over-runs & discontinued items.

My other find was in Blanc de Blanc in Wayzata.  Not the most obvious place to find cute British dinnerware, but I guess you never know.  Anyways, they stock Emma Bridgewater Black Toast & Marmalade dishes.  And boy are they fabulous.  Take a look:

Black Toast 10 1/2" Dinner Plate

Black Toast 8 1/2" Plate

Black Toast 6 1/2" Plate

Black Toast Cereal Bowl

Black Toast French Bowl

Black Toast Butterdish

Black Toast Egg Cup

Black Toast 1/2 Pint Jug

Black Toast (Oyster) Card Holder

My favorite is the "Bubble & Squeak" plate, along with the egg cup.  The card holder holds your London Oyster Card -- I may just have to get that for my next trip to London!

Here's some photos of my dinnerware, which I do love and think both of the above would mix and match into it perfectly!!

Fiestaware Plates in White

Anthropologie Milk Glasses

Anthropologie Latte Bowls in Grey

Anthropologie Latte Bowls in Seafoam

Anthropologie Mini Latte Bowls in Seafoam

Any other British dinnerware you've stumbled upon that you can share? 

Welcome Back

AND ...  I'm back! You may wonder what I've been up to in the past, oh, almost two years since I posted.  Well, here's a quick overview --
1. Work!
2. Watching a royal wedding & Diamond Jubilee
3. Apartment projects (stay tuned to updates)
4. A trip to London & Scotland!! :)
5. Work!


As you can see, my overly full schedule has left little time to blog.  But I haven't stopped reading my favorite design blogs & have been intermittently working on posts.  Great Britain has had no shortage of excitement lately (Royal Baby, anyone?), and I've got a couple posts lined up.  Until then .... here's a little preview of my trip. 

Orangery at Kensington Palace, London

For all the Harry Potter fans: Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station, London

Edinburgh, Scotland

Porridge at our B&B in Edinburgh

London

View from the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

The London Eye

The Globe Pub (aka Bridget Jone's Flat)

The London Eye

The Scotman Steps, Edinburgh, Scotland

Coffee & cupcakes at The Hummingbird Bakery, London

Photos are my own & those of the talented Alyssa Atkins.