Are you up to speed on my latest interior feature? Right, let's begin.
Last time I shared the wonderful Folds story, and chatted to founder Emma Gurner all about her interior loves, which inspired me to so much. Next up is a company that's a prime spot for quirky home accessories as well as solid, reasonably priced furniture. Introducing Loaf, the place where all your interior wants are fulfilled!
3 pack of churnie vases, £45
I am so excited to share the fabulous Loaf.com and with that it's inventor, the lovely Charlie Marshall :) I came across the site on my homeware hunts a long while ago now, and continue to visit and be inspired by their pastel furnishings, textured rugs and beautiful, period fabric sofas made for ample loafing.
The attention to detail in all of their offerings online are next to none. The Loafers handpick only the finest craftsmen to make beautiful, long-lasting furniture that they'd be proud of to have in their homes and I love that stories of every one of their makers is feature on site so you can hear exactly how your bouncy mattress has been made and who by. This kinda stuff fascinates me.
Margot bed frame, £745
With Christmas fast approaching, I can't recommend taking a peek at Loaf's site if you're lacking gift ideas. If you can get someone's interior taste right, they can make a very sentimental touch depending on what kind of thing you go for.
Some personal favourites I'm looking at for family and friends are Loaf's crisp bed linen, their magical mirrors, gorgeous brass vintage lamps to adorn desks, and aztec-inspired cushions and pouffes for creating ultimate snugsville. Read on for an epic cushion giveaway from Loaf!
They have it all. It's just insanely difficult not to see something you want for yourself and spend all your budget on that ;)
I'm delighted to introduce Loaf's founder and inventor, interior genius Charlie Marshall, who was happy to answer a few of my burning questions. It's an inspiring story the way Loaf came together, and I think you'll come away wanting his house... it sounds like the dream :)
Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf.com
Hey Charlie, tell us a little bit more about you, what you do at Loaf and your passion for all
things interior
I’ve always been passionate about design and all of my family is obsessed as well. I grew up on building sites developing one property before we moved on to the next. You’d find me with a copy of the builders’ favourite News of the World tucked under my arm and my top drink was builder’s tea and two sugars as a kid!
I’m focusing on creating the magic of the business working closely with our in-house designers to create pieces that are unique, look great and aren’t going to blow the bank for our customers.
I travel a fair amount and interiors inspiration comes from all over. It can be anything from an antique French bed at a Parisian flea market or a cool, retro sofa in a Berlin hotel room.
How did you come to opening up your own online store?
Frustration really! Having lost a whole Saturday trying to buy a bed, I decided to make the shopping experience as hassle free, affordable and as speedy as possible. So two years, 187 mattress factories and some seriously comfy beds later, Loaf was born. The idea is that we’ve done all of the testing so that the customer doesn’t have to.
We’re now a one-stop shop for the whole home and excitingly we’re planning our first retail destinations called ‘Loaf Shacks’.
Tell us a little bit about your home, what's your most loved interior possession?
My wife and I have a big living, kitchen, dining and playroom rolled into one. The ground floor space is on one level and forms a ‘U’ shape around the house. It’s perfect for the kids to whizz around on their trikes. The rooms have high-ceilings, light wooden Dinesen floors for a clean Scandi look, neutral mid-century furniture, pops of colour with quirky ethnic pieces, a colourful striped ‘Finca’ rug and a giant magnetic blackboard. My favourite design is our Crumpet sofa just because it’s so
darn comfy! I ordered it in a large so that me, my wife, and our two kids can all loaf about on there together.
What are your best tips for decorating a home?
Keep the basics clean and simple. At home we’ve gone for a palette of off-whites, which is livened up with pops of colour including statement furniture pieces and vibrant textiles. A geometric patterned or textured piece is a great way to easily update a scheme. Is the lighting right? Opt for a warm glow rather than stark white light. Side or floor lamps give a nice cosy feel.
What's your favourite home look for winter?
Winter is the time to hunker down and cosy up. At home we add really soft woollen blankets to the end of the bed and throw them over sofas for an inviting, layered look. I love a brightly patterned rug in front of the fireplace adding warmth and some contrast to a room. Oh and a log fire!
Loaf are feelin' festive and would like to give one of you lucky readers the perfect gift this Christmas, your very own embroidered 'Hiccup' cushion (worth £45) with the prettiest pastel shades that will make a wonderful addition to your room, or perhaps a loved one's couch?
The giveaway runs FOR ONE WEEK ONLY, ending on the 16th December 2014, so you'll receive your new cushion just in time for the festivities to begin.
All you need to do is enter via the Rafflecopter below.
Go ahead, you never know you might win :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway is open to UK residents only. The very lucky winner will be chosen at random and the giveaway will end on Friday 5th Dec 2014 12am.
To enter, you must follow my blog via Bloglovin or GFC and like my page on facebook. A winner will be drawn and I will check for proof of entry. If that person has entered without following or liking my page on facebook I will choose another winner and email you directly to post it on.
There's lots of bonus entries on there too, so fill your boots and good luck! I'll just go crawl into my envious cave.....