Dream Home Decorating Blog

Craft Fair Extraordinaire Inspiration and Unique Christmas Presents

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:42:47 GMT

ORIGIN (it used to be the Chelsea Crafts Fair until two years ago) is the one contemporary craft event in London that I never, ever miss. And just in case you happen to be in or near London between October 7 and 19, I very much recommend you go, too.

The 300 designer craftspeople who exhibit their most recent work here have been handpicked from among many hundreds of applicants. Without exception, the work shown is of extremely high quality fresh, original, sometimes quirky, and always beautifully executed. Prices are moderate, considering that you can get original, one-of-a-kind pieces that will never see the inside of a high street shop unless you take them in there.

You can find ceramics, jewelry, fashion/textiles and knitwear, silver and fine metals, glass, paper and books, interior accessories and textiles, wood, furniture, and toys. I remember overhearing a visitor from the USA last year, carrying several bags and telling someone on her cellphone that she'd just done all her Christmas shopping in one go "and I didn't even know this show existed I just stumbled into it between museum visits!"

Well, now you know about it, too. Who knows, maybe we'll meet there!

ORIGIN, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

Week 1: 7-12 October 2008.
Week 2: 14-19 October 2008
Closed Monday, 13 October for exhibition changeover.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday 11am-7pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm

Ticket prices:
Single ticket 8 (6 concessions); One visit each week 12 (10 concessions); Unlimited entry 15. Illustrated catalog included in the price of admission.
(Some makers are unable to take credit card payments, so do remember to bring your checkbook)

For more information, go to www.craftscouncil.org.uk.

Oh, and my friend Sonia Guzzo, who provided the checklist for Italian Country Decorating, is exhibiting at ORIGIN, too. Week One. Stand M8. Just thought I'd let you know!

If you like 20th century and contemporary interiors, check this out!

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:04:15 GMT

TENT London, Sept 18-21, might be an interesting event for you even if you're not going to be anywhere near London on these dates. For example, if you're looking for information on what's available in modernist and contemporary interiors, who's in the market selling it, and where to contact these people, check the show's online directory for dealer information.

TENT is composed of several shows under one roof:

CIRCA has antique and specialist dealers (mainly from the UK, a few from mainland Europe) selling all manner of furniture, lighting, wall art, textiles, and interior objects from the following periods:

arts & crafts
art deco
modernist
post-war
mid-century
1960s/70s, retro and vintage

From reading the dealer information, it seems to me that the emphasis is on modernist and mid-century architect-designed furniture. So you will be able to pick up Scandinavian classics (e.g. Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Verner Panton, Alvar Aalto), or furniture by Charles & Ray Eames, Joe Colombo, and John & Sylvia Reid, but also rare vintage posters, Lucienne Day textiles, or Midwinter ceramics, to name but a few.

CONTENT promises cutting-edge furniture, lighting, digital media, ceramics and textiles, materials and accessories.

TALENT ZONE focuses on a small number of handpicked recent design graduates showing furniture and interior design objects.

YOUR SPACE is very small and contains a few installations and 'micro-shows' by different businesses.

I have not seen this show before, so I cannot actually recommend it. I just wanted to make sure you know about it, in case you're interested in 20th century and contemporary interiors. Click here for more information.

For some ideas on how to put contemporary interiors together, please click on the 'permalink' below:

Dream Home News in Your Inbox

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:04:46 GMT

The September edition of Dream Home News (the Summer Holidays Hangover Issue) will arrive in your inbox tomorrow, 1st September 2008. Enjoy!

July Newsletter Backissue Now Available!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:50:53 GMT

The July edition of Dream Home Decorating News - The Trend Issue - is now available on the site for you. Click the link to read up on interior decorating trends from London!

Top 10 Interior Decorating Tips

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:17:17 GMT

Each one of these interior decorating tips will make a tangible difference to your space. Use them all and your home may well change your life!

Tuscan Style Decorating for Bedrooms (Part II: Create the Look)

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:39:53 GMT

Tuscan style decorating made easy: photos of bedrooms in original Tuscan interiors, ideas and accessories that will help you create a Tuscan look for your home.

Tuscan Decorating Style for Bedrooms (Part I: Traditional/Rustic)

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:36:51 GMT

Pictures of authentic Italian farmhouse bedrooms in traditional Tuscan decorating style, to inspire you with ideas for creating your own version of Tuscan interiors.

Tuscan Decorating Style Secrets

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:18:36 GMT

Get inspired by these authentic Tuscan interiors, and learn how to create your own Tuscan decorating style.

Tuscan Colors, Inside & Out

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:14:05 GMT

Authentic examples of Tuscan colors: Use them to create a color scheme that reflects the sense of warmth, ease and welcome you can find in Tuscan interiors.

Window Treatment Ideas

Tue, 27 May 2008 15:39:34 GMT

Browse through these window treatment ideas and find plenty of inspiration for your own home.

French Country Curtains

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:53:51 GMT

French country curtains are pieces of fabric with attitude ... learn how to create windows with a French accent!

French Country Decor on a Shoestring

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:01:24 GMT

9 ways to create a home with a French accent, on a budget: French country decor that wont break the bank.

French Country Decorating in Color

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:00:04 GMT

Here is a selection of color scheme ideas for French Country Decorating. Full-on or subtle, you choose!

French Country Kitchen Design

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:39:52 GMT

Here are a few things you'll want to know before you decide on a French country kitchen design for your home.

French Country Kitchens

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:25:28 GMT

French country kitchens are more about the cook than about the look. But you can have it all: here are a few simple tricks to get the look right, too.

Swiss Country Decorating

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:33:54 GMT

Swiss country decorating is understated and quietly beautiful. Here's an original Swiss checklist for country interiors.

European-Style Country Window Treatments

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:19:19 GMT

A treasure trove of pictures and ideas to help you choose the right country window treatments for your home.

Provence Interiors

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:10:17 GMT

Provence interiors are the darling of French country interior design: relaxed, warm, and subtly elegant.

French Country Interior Design

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:54:13 GMT

French country interior design is a unique, extremely addictive form of rustic chic. Here's how to get the look.

French Interior Design and Decorating

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:52:05 GMT

French interior design and decorating is bold, sophisticated, and very chic. Here's how to create the look!

Bedroom Decorating Colors

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:42:34 GMT

Bedroom decorating colors to get you in the mood: Create your dream bedroom with the help of these interior decorating pictures and bedroom color schemes.

Decorating Color Schemes Made Easy

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:50:51 GMT

10 Things You Need to Know About Creating Great Decorating Color Schemes.

Interior Decorating Color Scheme Ideas

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:09:50 GMT

Interior decorating color scheme ideas are all around you. Here's how to find the good ones quickly.

Country Style Decorating - Get the Look!

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:47:34 GMT

Country style decorating is a field of endless possibilities, and you don't even need to live anywhere near the country to use these tips, ideas and bits of inspiration.

Country Style Home Decor on a Shoestring

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:45:52 GMT

Not quite all of this is entirely free country style home decor, but you are very unlikely to spend your entire pocket money on any of the following tips, ideas or items!

Rustic Country Style Decor

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:23:04 GMT

Rustic country style decor is a little more rough-hewn, a little less pretty than most other country decorating styles. It has a simple, natural beauty all of its own.

Dream Home Decorating News

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:07:47 GMT

Dream Home Decorating News has arrived at a computer near you. Receive home decorating news and trends, ideas and tips every two months, straight to your inbox.

Handmade Christmas Window Decorations

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:02:47 GMT

These Christmas window decorations are very easy to make with children, and its almost impossible to create two that look exactly the same.

Free Craft Pattern & Ideas Resource

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:46:53 GMT

Whether you are looking for craft gift ideas or a free craft pattern for your own use, here is an ever-growing resource for you.

Christmas Lights and Decorations

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:29:34 GMT

Have a few spare glasses? Tea lights? Add a few more ingredients and create lovely Christmas lights and decorations.

Christmas Craft Gift Idea

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:04:05 GMT

A Christmas craft gift is special, personal, and heartwarming. Here are three stylish, free craft patterns for you, to make a holiday craft gift that ticks all the right boxes.

Christmas Tree Decorating - With the Hardest Cookies on the Planet!

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:26:34 GMT

Christmas time, that's the most wonderful and magic time for me. I'm from Poland, and Christmas is very traditional in my country. We decorate the

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:33:21 GMT

Sometimes the best new Christmas decorating ideas are the really old ones.

Personalized Christmas Card Design

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:20:39 GMT

Create your own personalized Christmas card design. Download the instructions here and use my template, or invent your own. Send truly unique, custom christmas cards this year.

Christmas Table Decoration Idea

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 23:38:11 GMT

This gorgeous Christmas table decoration idea is very easy to make and wonderfully versatile. You can even have it for dessert.

Have your say!

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:30:54 GMT

The wish list is now open for the new e-Zine, Dream Home Decorating News ... and entries have started pouring in. Be part of it! Subscribe and tell me what you want to read about on January 1, 2008!

Christmas in Germany

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:12:04 GMT

Christmas in Germany, as far as we kids were concerned, was a month long. At least a month. It started on the first of December and ended on January 6.

Basic Color Wheel Chart

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:38:26 GMT

A basic color wheel chart is a useful tool to find out how colors relate to each other, which ones might work together and which ones probably wont. But use the color wheel with caution...

Color Psychology in Interior Design

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:55:40 GMT

Color psychology can help you create the 'right' mood for every room. It's useful - but it's not an exact science!

Have a Candle Christmas

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:22:52 GMT

A Candle Christmas goes with every possible interior decorating style. Pick and choose from the following list!

Making a Christmas Tree Ball

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:54:26 GMT

Heres how to create a Christmas tree ball, or lots of them. They are simple to make, they are inexpensive, and they look rather luxurious.

Christmas Tree Crafts

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:53:30 GMT

Make your own Christmas tree crafts and create a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree this year.

Christmas Quotes

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:30:31 GMT

Here is a list of Christmas quotes, plus a list of where to find more Christmas quotes, and a list of things you can do with them.

You'll Find It Here ...

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 18:21:19 GMT

Search www.dreamhomedecorating.com and the Internet for free home decorating information.

Creating Room Color Schemes

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 08:09:00 GMT

Great room color schemes create instant flair. The following ideas for home decorating with color will help you create inspired, feel-good rooms.

Contemporary Home Decor

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 07:56:49 GMT

Contemporary home decor is about mixing interior design elements in an interesting way. Here are some tips to help you create a very individual, stylish home. Yours.

Interior Decorating Styles

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:14:38 GMT

Interior decorating styles from around the world can inspire you to create beautifully personal, rich, stylish interiors.

Zen Interior Design

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:26:48 GMT

If someone tells you that Zen interior design is about bamboo, bonsai, or minimalism with a Japanese look, dont fall for it. Here's a guide to simple, fuss-free Zen interior decorating.

Color Meaning and Home Decorating

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 09:09:57 GMT

Should you pay attention to color meaning when you decorate your home? The short answer is, no. For a slightly longer answer, please read on!

Psychological Effects of the Color Pink

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:22:57 GMT

Use the psychological effects of the color pink to create a fresh, soft look for your home.