Bonnes vacances!

The Poppy Club is taking a bit of a holiday in August but will be back for more fun in September. Hope you're all enjoying the good weather and getting some welcome time out...A bientôt!

Pretty mosaics at the grande Mosquée de Paris.

Anyone for cricket?

The sporting season is not yet over but with test matches, Wimbledon and the world cup it's been quite a summer for sport! I'd not really thought of any of these events as a source of aesthetic inspiration but as Turner Pocock Cazalet proves with these cricket and tennis themed wallpapers, they make for great decor!

Turner Pocock Cazalet

The sweetest mobiles ever!

A few months back, The Poppy Club posted about mobiles. Confession : If I'd known then about these gorgeous children's mobiles made in Melbourne by Madeleine Sargent of Mosey, ( Made by Mosey ) they'd certainly have featured somewhere near the top!

All her pieces are handmade using soft fabrics. The designs are pretty and unfussy making for just totally lovable decoration that will probably appeal as much to Mums as their little ones!

On Cloud Nine with Kylie Johnson

A post about clouds! Not that there are too many on the Paris horizon this week. And these are lovely non-rainy ceramic ones anyway made by Kylie Johnson in Australia.

Ideas from floor to ceiling with India Rose

I came across these pretty fabric lanterns by India Rose at the Once Upon a Tea time blog, and took a look at the web site which is a hive of interesting and unusual objects. Whilst I wouldn't be seen in public in an Argylle sweater or socks - I surprised myself by quite liking the design on a table set or bath mat!

There are several frilly tablecloths and napkins which are worth the detour and a whole range of unusal doormats. Certainly worth a browse around...

Japanese tea

So often in design the simple things are the most appealing and I think this is true of the ceramics of Takemoto . Drawing from nature and incorporating many of the plants and flowers indigenous to her native Japan, Takemoto produces bright, vibrant kitchenwares that have a sturdy, homely look. I find the solidity of the look and its' straightforward cheerfulness really charming!

Growing it slow

Now that the weather in Paris is finally reaching gorgeous summer temperatures, it's time to take a look at the great outdoors! Few of us in the city are lucky enough to have gardens, but if you look up, there are a fair few terraces and balconies with great views and endless possibilities for decoration. I recently came across the French group Slow Garden , who are essentailly "exterior designers" specialising in creating fabulous patios and outdoor spaces. Below are a few examples of their work, but for more info see their site. I like their use of rich, sunny colours and the attention to original detail that gives each space a quirky, individual feel. Just wish I had a large enough space myselft o experiment with!

Yukari Sweeney

I totally love these wallpapers and lampshades by Yukari Sweeney. There's a kind of nostalgia for the drawing room chintz that is nonetheless contemporary in colour scheme and execution. I think they're really beautiful and love the warm, soft tones that she prefers.A new favourite to add to my ever-lengthening list of wallpaper designers!