Shoes, just not quite as we know them

Every woman loves shoes, but for art and antiques dealer Susan Gaston, they're quite literally an obsession.

It's little surprise really as three generations of Susan's family have worked in the shoe trade -  it was only a matter of time before she caught the bug, too. Susan and her husband Jimmy are the creative force behind White Dove & Wonder. Together, they reclaim the wooden shoe lasts that are used to make shoes; and transform them into all manner of objets d'art. 

From clocks to candle holders, loo roll holders (yes, really!) to coffee tables, the "What shall we do with these?" conundrum that Susan and Jimmy once faced has long been forgotten - only to be replaced with a whole host of striking, one-of-a-kind home accents. 

Vintage Shoe Last Bookends - now available at Roost.

Caslon & Co: traditional tools, contemporary prints

Passionate about pattern is by far the most apt way to describe the homeware label Caslon & Co.

Founder Andy Rouse lovingly hand-crafts original prints in his Birmingham studio using antique letterpress blocks known as ‘ornaments’ and ‘fleurons’- once used by printers to decorate posters and books. 

After Andy has perfected his motifs, a highly-skilled team of UK-based craftsmen and women transform them into statement soft furnishings and homeware, such as the Vintage Corner Piece Cushion - our much-loved latest arrival here at Roost Living.

Designer Andy Rouse formed Caslon&Co after acquiring a retired printers press at the beginning of 2012, and their vintage inspired patterns are created using antique wooden printing blocks known as ornaments and fleurons. Printers traditionally used the beautiful little blocks to add decorative flare to books and posters, you will have seen them in use on vintage circus posters, before they fell out of fashion and became a thing of the past, which is a bit of a shame if you ask us! Caslon & Co have put their collection to good use (and they’ve got quite a collection) creating patterns for use in the home, and in turn giving a forgotten art a new lease of life.

Andy explains his approach: ‘I work in our studio using traditional relief printing techniques, working in black and white at first, so that I can focus on creating repeating or tessellating patterns from the printing blocks, I only adding colour when I am happy with the pattern. Depending on how many of the blocks we have, I either work on the press, creating a small repeating pattern or printing a single block a number of times before developing a pattern. Some of the blocks can surprise you when you work with them, they can create patterns that you didn’t expect. I think that’s why I love working in the studio, plus I always feel like it’s a day well spent when I return home with printing ink on your hands!

‘Once I’m happy with the patterns I will transfer them to a silk screen so that I can expand them and start to experiment with colours. We’ve developed a colourful but soft monochrome approach for Caslon & Co, the colours a very fresh and although our patterns have a vintage quality the colours bring a very contemporary feel.’

‘I like to select a fabric that adds to the vintage quality, the natural cotton we use for our cushions has a character of its own, it's a lovely textured fabric with visible flecks of fibre.’

The resulting patterns bring character and charm to the home through a collection of cushions featuring their vintage inspired patterns and fresh, contemporary colour palette.

Washi Tape: mess-free adhesive that’s fun!

No longer saved for cover-up-while-you-D.I.Y moments, masking tape itself has had a make-over.

We have the Japanese to thank for the brightly-hued ‘Washi Tape’ trend, and in all its prints, stripes and polka dots, it can transform our home décor mess-free in seconds, plus re-imagine the way we hang everything from notes to posters. You (and the kids) can even create your own wall art with the tape itself.

If you haven’t caught on just yet, we’re sure it won’t be long before you develop a mild-addiction for Washi Tape too... pick up a variety of mixed prints here and let the creativity commence!

 

Reinventing Flowers

One of the simplest ways to transform even the smallest of your home's nooks is to pop hand-tied blooms into an old (clean) jam jar. If you don't have one to hand, a milk bottle, or even a glass, makes the perfect vessel. 

Here are some ideas we love - including pastel painted bottles and ornamental cabbages in tumblers that photographer Leila Sanderson shot at furniture designer Greg Hatton's Melbourne home. Why not give it a go, too?

Images: Leila Sanderson, Greg Hatton, Pinterest.

Insect Attraction

A variety of themes are delved into to decorate the home, but if there’s one that pops up time and again, it’s the Natural World.

With a bounty of flora and fauna out there to inspire us, it’s little wonder really. Take for example teeny-tiny insects; while they do of course have a creepy crawly side, there’s also a curious beauty to them.

This is something that artist’s Rory Dobner, Roo Abrook and Matrushka know only too well; portraying the prettiness of bugs, beetles and bees in their decorative pieces that bring a little of the outside, in.

 

A new year, a new designer

At this time of year, we’re all itching for a little newness and it’s with that we’d like to introduce to you Tori Murphy; the latest addition to our portfolio of designers.

The Nottingham-based designer graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in textiles and launched her eponymous label last year. Her first collection of cushions and throws spoke of what was to become a signature style for Tori: bold, graphic lines, Merino wool and with the emphasis on all of her items being carefully crafted in Britain.

We’re thrilled to be stocking an edited collection from Tori’s second collection, including the Broadway Cushions and Broadway Blanket which capture Tori’s “Love of pattern, texture and colour.” We hope you love them just as much as us.

Smart space-saving

Doesn't it always seem as if there's never enough storage? Bedding, towels, and toys all need a home - but where to put them? We spotted some ingenious ideas for saving on space that are suitable for all sizes of homes. Take a look...

1. Wall art, if you like, that's wholly functional, too. A wonderful idea from German industrial designer  Yi Cong Lu. 

2. Don't be fooled into thinking this is just your ordinary (rather tidy) linen cupboard - the sheets have been neatly folded and placed into their matching pillowcases to flatten things down. More space and a pretty shelf, too!

3. Ok, so this one's more decorative, but it's such an adorable idea, we just had to include it. Great for bookworms!

5. What a clever use of space - this above-door-shelf proves that being inventive with the room you have can lead to both aesthetically pleasing and functional results.

Introducing our feline friends Bandit and Fidel

Two new arrivals have stopped off at Roost - Bandit and Fidel, the curious kitties that will have your door propped open in no time, not to mention add a touch of fun to your décor.

Both humourous characters are crafted by Charlene Mullen, a London-based designer whom since graduating in illustration at the city's Royal College of Art, has become known for her quirky, sketch-like embroidery. 

Bandit and Fidel's inky lines epitomise Charlene's love of the drawn line. Plus, each feline is scented with of a hint of lavender too, making them a welcome addition to any home. Get them before they're gone! 

Charlene with her London Scenic Cushion

Making the most of photos

You know the drill - you get a little snap happy and take lots of photos, only for them to sit in a folder on your computer. If you do get round to printing them, they more often than not, act as magnets for dust in a drawer.


Not any longer! We've been thinking of a few ways to showcase those special memories - from making a feature wall out of a cluster of frames, to hanging huge space-changing canvases.


Take a look at the simple ideas below for easy ways to let the moments that were special enough for you to capture forever, take pride of place in your home.

Therese Sennerholt’s inspiring prints

January is a month we could all do with a boost - so what better than to hang one of graphic designer Therese Sennerholt's inspiring prints?

Therese works just outside Stockholm, normally within advertising as an Art Director, often creating corporate identities. Her creativity has gained her over three prestigious design awards, and her now popular prints blossomed from a small hobby of hers. Each one features a new or old quote, some of which she pens herself. Themes focus on ‘happiness’, ‘dreams’, ‘love’ and other uplifting, positive aspects of life. Other sayings turn negatives on their heads in one simple sentence. With so much ground covered, there really is a piece of her work for every mood.

We love the sentiments "Be brave", "Life is for..." and "Sometimes the best moments..." below - which is your favourite?

A touch of monochrome in the home

If there’s one colour combination that never goes out of fashion, it’s black and white. Need a tip on how to introduce it to the home? Try scattering subtle hints of graphic pattern here and there - our Blackwork cushions in cosy wool do the job perfectly. The result is not only an instant update to your room, it also proves this classic look is not just for the wardrobe, but a striking addition to your home decor, too.

Blackwork Cushions by Charlene Mullen from £110

Introducing Petite Polly

Meet Petite Polly – she’s the latest arrival at Roost Living, and we’re quite taken by her flair for all that’s unique.

This fine mare is designed by Matrushka and made by a small team of Cotswolds-based artisans, who have crafted her from a complementary mix of reclaimed materials including walnut, antique mirrored glass and a lock (or two) of real horse hair. There really isn't a piece of home décor quite like her!