Marine moodboards

I really enjoyed creating the designs for the February pattern challenge set by @melanie.johnsson. The challenge was inspired by days at the seaside and encouraged us to create a cohesive collection using a complimentary colour palette. Now that the challenge has finished I decided to see how well those patterns co-ordinated by creating some moodboards and I'm really pleased with the result!

The first board includes the crab print and the mermaid scales in a pleasing palette of blue, turquoise and coral.

The second board shows the multi colour shell print and the water design and includes a bright yellow and a navy in the colour palette.

The third board includes the wild grasses print and the wave print. This uses a simpler, more sophistacated colour palette and I like the inclusion of soft greys and cream to compliment the blues.

The fourth board includes the kites and the splash design. These are both fun prints in a bright colour palette that would work well in a kid's bedroom.

The fifth board includes the floral print and the splash design in coral pink.

All these prints are available to buy by-the-metre on a variety of fabrics or on ready-made items in my Spoonflower shop.

Autumn at Anthropologie

It's that time of year when the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler and it's a great time to forage around the shops and take in the beautiful autumn colours. Anthropologie is always a source of inspiration for me. As a textile designer, it's very inspiring and I love their use of pattern and colour. There were a lot of jewel tones on my recent visit as well as an interesting mix of fabrics.

This rayon top uses a loose floral style and is mixed with a dark geometric background that brings out the colours. It also has a gold woven dot running through it to add a bit of glitz to your outfit.

This top is a beautiful berry tone and has a 3D effect with pretty embroidered flowers.

A paisley is a classic design and can be coloured in an amazing array of colours that can radically change its look. This one uses quite a traditional palette, but has hints of hot pink.

This folk-inspired embroidery is on the sleeve of a rather simple black blouse. I love the isolation of a design to just one area of the garment - a nod to folk without being too folky!

I was drawn to this velvet chair that comes in amazing jewel tones. Quite a statement!

This stunning print was on a maxi dress. The black background really shows off the colours and design of this retro-inspired print.

These sequinned handbags were like little gems, with their soft pink and gold colourings.

Even the trainers were brightly coloured. I love the acid green, turquoise and grey colour combo and the addition of the grey and white speckled soles.

100% Design

London Design Week is drawing to an end for another year and it's been great to dip into some of the shows that have been going on. On Friday I headed to Olympia to check out 100% Design and I found some inspirational designers that immediately made me want to redesign my home!

I love a grey sofa (and have one in my home) and loved this one by British Design Shop. It looks great set against an orange wall and if that's a bit bold, just accessorise with an orange velvet cushion.

The orange and grey theme was also used in this wonderful wool cushion cover. The dark wall behind gives it drama whilst the cream Mid Century Modern chair keeps it fresh.

These retro-inspired tables are by Curve Top Tables and they come in a series of vibrant colours and a variety of fluid shapes, perfect for curving around your sofa and adding flowing lines to your space.

Friends of Wilson is a company that produces hanging screens made form 100% wool felt and available in a range of rich colours. It combines abstract art, design and acoustics to give a practical solution to an open plan space.

For lighting, my favourite company was Showroom Finland a Helsinki-based business that creates stunning lamp shades out of plywood. No glue or screws are used and the lights are assembled using numerous plywood parts, bringing together traditional Finnish techniques with modern computer geometry.

On another stand, these light shades were being produced using a 3D printer.

There was also a good selection of jewel tones on show. I took a liking to these velvet-covered footstools in a fun combination of colours.

Or how about this fabulous teal armchair with a modern twist on the Mid Century style.

Fabric Friday

This week's Fabric Friday is brought to you from the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour. Twice a year they have an open week for trade and on the Friday the public are allowed to view the most recent home decor collections. It's a great chance to see what's out there, as inspiration for Cheeky Leopard, but also for inspiration and colour palette ideas for the design work I do at Makower UK. It's great to have every showroom under one roof and to get an over all view of trends.

The main atrium had a massive chandelier made from richly coloured tassels.

I love the richness of this Sarasa-inspired fabric at Colefax and Fowler.

The floral above was heavily embroidered and the flower heads were huge!

Scion does lovely fresh colour ways like the one above. I love the use of pinks and mustards with soft grey.

Villa Nova also does some pleasing colour ways. There seemed to be a lot of grey and yellow out there......

....as well as coral and grey. The silhouette leafy fabric above has a lovely soft watercolour feel to it. The collection is called Hana and is inspired by crafts and motifs of Japan.

The Kelso collection by Romo draws on heritage charm and uses delicate florals with plaids and stripes. It has been inspired by the British countryside as well as stately homes and country cottages. The designs are historical but have evolved to suit a contemporary client.