Sophie and I met some time ago, I worked at House & Garden, and she was Style director at The Telegraph. I am sure there are many reasons we would have bonded, but at the time, the subject was our side hustles. Tat had just started to gain some traction, and Host, Sophie's side hustle was taking off. Take off it did. She has constructed an online shop with some of the more unique pieces on the market. She collaborates with incredible creatives while also finding the most charming vintage pieces for your home. So with her wealth of knowledge, I have asked her to take the reigns on This & Tat!
Mud Australia adds plenty of cheer to the everyday. Its porcelain pieces are made by colouring the clay itself which gives an amazing saturated colour. I love the idea of mixing and matching all the different hues.
Dylan Bowen x Porta Romana
My Dylan Bowen x Porta Romana table lamp is one of my most treasured objects. It was a gift from my mother and sits pride of place in my sitting room. There is something magical about the tactile nature of the ceramic base, and the slipware decoration comes to life when illuminated
I bought one of Colin Millington’s woven paintings for my godson’s christening and now regret giving it as a gift. His naive woven seascapes have such a special quality to them. Sign up to the mailing list to be in with a shot of purchasing one next year.
Interior designer Anna Spiro is my go-to for house-porn. She uses pattern and colour in such a clever, measured way. Every room feels cheery but not like the kitchen sink has been thrown at it. Her new book “A Life in Pattern” is on top of my wishlist.
My favourite place for presents (apart from HOST, of course), ReFound Objects has a brilliant selection of one-off and unusual pieces that don’t cost the Earth. I love these plastic-covered vases; they remind me of Marni homewares but at a fraction of the cost.
The Shop Floor Project
The Shop Floor Project is a showcase of eccentric British craftsmanship. Part art gallery, part shop, it is full of charm and honesty. I love that the owners close the doors every now and again to go on sourcing trips. It has also teamed up with Arts Council England to allow customers to purchase items in 10 interest-free instalments. I’m hankering after any of Anandamayi Arnold’s paper pieces.
The Shop Floor Project
Head and Haft
Cornwall-based Head and Haft is a multi-disciplinary furniture designer and manufacturer. It specialises in knockout benches and tables, made from local Cornish wood. Think a mix between Sebastian Cox, Pinch and Bibbings & Hensby.
Happiness is a bright orange filing cabinet (and no, I’m not joking). This Bisley number brings so much cheer to my WFH situation.
I’m an absolute sucker for the thrill of an auction. The Saleroom aggregates auctions taking place nationwide and allows you to bid online. I’ve picked up many a bargain over the years. Good old Any Van is my go-to for deliveries.
Pretty much every room in my house has a katha quilt in it, in some capacity. Whether it's a throw at the end of the bed, a Roman blind, headboard or cushion… One day I long for a kantha quilt sofa (see Virginia Tupker’s one for Lauren Santo Domingo). I think The Running Stitches, available exclusively through Instagram, has the best offering of vintage quilts in the UK.
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