Gifts fit for a future king - and queen

After a quiet run up over the last few months Royal Wedding fever is finally beginning to build. It is clear this will be a very modern marriage celebration reflecting the young and vibrant personality of our future Monarch.

Many companies have picked up on the dynamic of this Royal partnership and developed more modern memorabilia to adorn your home.

The combination of quality workmanship and, in some cases, the ability to raise a smile makes these items my pick of the crop for adding Royal Wedding glamour to your interior!

W2Products, the home of the legendary Pantone range, have designed a pair of Right Royal commemorative mugs which could become iconic. Available in Pink for Catherine and Blue for William, they are crafted from Bone China, manufactured in the UK and feature a regal love-heart crown on both front and rear. Perfect for taking afternoon tea to celebrate on the big day! (£10 each; www.w2products.com - 020 7922 1444).

Once you have finished supping you will need to wash up and hunkydoryhome have the perfect article for drying your mugs in the shape of their “Love Is In The Heir” Royal Wedding Tea Towel. This cheeky design is available in Royal blue and regal red. (£10.50; www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk – 0191 645 4004).

                                                    

Then you can settle down to watch the event in style from the William & Catherine Commemorative Chair by Metal Design Furniture which features the couple’s names and wedding date and is available in white or gold. (£185; www.metaldesign-furniture.co.uk – 020 8144 6621).

Add extra comfort and style to your seating with the Royal Wedding Cushion by Jan Constantine. This features an exquisite hand-embroidered and appliquéd design: truly modern memorabilia with a traditional twist. (£93; www.janconstantine.com – 01270 821194).

Why not extend the celebration to your bathroom and experience the feeling of an actual Royal wedding gift, by purchasing the same limited edition souvenir towel set which has already been sent to Clarence House. The set, designed by internationally acclaimed luxury linen and home accessories company Yves Delorme, includes a hand and guest towel embroidered with the names of the happy couple, a regal crown and distinctive pairing of Royal swans. (£99; www.yvesdelorme.com – 01296 394980).

Of course if you want to invite the Royal couple permanently into your home, you will have to act quickly to secure a pair of Royal Wedding Sliding Doors. They have been specially produced by Spaceslide and feature a funky modern negative image of the Catherine and William. Available in a variety of hues from now until the big day (from £448; www.spaceslide.co.uk – 0800 980 3499).

Jamie Hempsall is an award winning interior designer. Visit him at www.jamiehempsall.com or call 0800 032 1180.

Yorkshire Post Readers' Questions

Every quarter I answer Yorkshire Post Readers' interior design queries as part of my column.  They can ask about any subject at all.  Here is what they came up with in the last couple of months.

Q: We have just inherited a 1960s Ercol dining table, it is finished in light wood and we want to get some dining chairs to go with it that are unusual. SH, Knaresborough.

Ercol was a huge name in furniture in the 1960s, but fell out of favour in later decades. However, prices are beginning to quickly increase as vintage rises to the fore. This furniture is beautifully made and their clean design lines are amazingly contemporary. If you want to avoid scouring specialist shops for a set of matching chairs, I would recommend the new Masters chair by Kartell. This stunning design was created by Philippe Starck and is a reinterpretation of the Series 7 chair by Jacobsen, the Tulip chair by Saarinen and the Eifel Chair by Eames. It is available in red, black or white and at £120 I think it is a bargain that will become a design classic in no time at all (www.lifestylebazaar.com – 0207 739 9427).

Q: We are decorating our sitting room with an oriental inspired theme, but struggling to find a ceiling light that is not hideously expensive. We have high ceilings so would like something fairly dramatic if possible. TB, Harrogate

I would head straight for one of Gong’s eastern inspired ceiling lampshades. They have a range of light, oversized, interesting silk shades which will definitely complement an oriental theme. There are two different designs available (Lea & Lotus) which come in various sizes. The lamps are hand made in the Far East and covered in silk featuring two layers of fabric so you cannot see the bulbs. The Lotus lamp is available in white silk, whilst the Lea ceiling light (pictured) is available in a variety of finishes with the option of a black trimmed frame. Prices from £95, visit www.gong.co.uk or call 0207 370 7176.

Q: We have just purchased a Period house and wanted to work with a traditional colour range, but are not sure if there are any ranges of paint that are particularly appropriate. Could you point us in the right direction? JL, Skipton

The Little Greene Paint Company has worked with English Heritage to develop a range that reflects the true historical colours used in decoration. The colours are split into five key time periods – Georgian; Regency; Victorian; 1930s and 1950s – which are marked clearly on their colour charts. Every purchase from the range also means a generous donation goes to English Heritage – so you are also helping to preserve some of our nation’s great treasures. The range is available in all of Little Greene’s standard finishes including their Ultimatt Emulsion (a matt finish, environmentally friendly and completely washable paint – ideal for heavy usage areas such as halls, kitchens and bathrooms). Prices from £13.50 (www.thelittlegreene.com – 0845 880 5855).

Q: We have a travertine floor which is really beginning to look grubby despite regular mopping. What would you suggest to bring it back to its former glory? BB, Todwick.

If you are seeing ground in dirt you need to get back to basics. Start by stripping off your existing floor coating using the appropriate cleaner which will have a dramatic effect. You will then need to re-apply a sealant to keep this look pristine. Natural floors do require regular maintenance, so I would expect to repeat this every year or so to keep things looking tip top. I prefer the range of products available from Lithofin which includes wax-off, multi-seal and anti-slip; as well as an easy care formula that is great for regular use throughout the year once you have taken the trouble to strip back and re-apply (www.lithofin-uk.co.uk; 01962 732 126).

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design and an award winning interior designer. If you have an interior query you need answering call him on 0800 032 1180 or visit http://www.jamiehempsall.com/.

 

Orange is the colour for change this season!

The approach of autumn means the gradual changing of our landscapes from vibrant greens to warm browns and oranges.

Orange in particular is also seeping onto our high street as the trend towards a resurgence of all things mid-century develops. Orange makes a bold, bright statement that shouts fun and hints at rebellion.

Unless you have a really strong passion for the colour avoid dedicating an entire scheme to orange as in large quantities it can be overwhelming.

However, orange works terrifically on an accent piece to base a room around (particularly when paired with brown and cream) – or on fun and quirky items to discover as your eyes travel round your home.

1. Bring a touch of autumn warmth to your sitting room with this George Smith Jules chair in Lulu DK Bloomsbury from £2,050 www.georgesmith.co.uk – 01423 563160.

2. Add a touch of nature into your home with these fun Three Owls Wall Sticker £39.95 (www.stylishlife.co.uk – 01269 822288)

3. A twist on the classic coffee maker, this Francis Francis X1 Espresso Machine in orange will definitely make a statement in any kitchen. £399. (http://www.espressocrazy/. com – 01604 821 234)

4. The Aria Dining Chair, by Bontempi, is the perfect accompaniment to any modern dining suite. Made in Italy, the design will add vibrancy and colour toyour room.

Transparent chairs are also available ensuring that the contemporary polycarbonate chairs will never clash; even with the most outrageous interior design. Bontempi Casa Aria Dining Chair £164 (www.areaz.co.uk – 0113 244 2288).

5. Sugar & Spice Wardrobe in Juicy Orange £595, www.the childrensfurniturecompany.com – 020 7737 7303.

This sturdy wardrobe is excellent value and provides masses of useful storage space from toddlers to teens. It comes in white and 12 stunning colours including Juicy Orange.

Award Winning Interior Designer Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. Contact: www.jamiehempsall. com or 0800 032 1180
 

 
 
Published in Yorkshire Post 27th Oct 2010 - Mid-Week Life & Style Section - Interiors