Very Hungry Caterpillar

I've just returned from 8 days of r&r in Ibiza - too old to be clubbing before you ask; why does everybody think that when I tell them where I've been? Actually I was looking at yachts...yes LOOKING; a Topper is more my budget; still - I can dream. Back to earth and a very wet Liverpool and web HQ. The gift stores have been busy this week celebrating with 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Eric Carle's creation is 40 years old this year and both Liverpool and Preston stores are celebrating this classic creation. Here's Luke proudly displaying his Liverpool window....

Nessino Bianco...

Artemide , the architects favourite lighting company, have launched a number of new designs this year and revisited a few old favourites. One little star is the Nessino - the little plastic mushroom light which is a must for every retro pad. Some of the older colours have been discontinued but a new version has been introduced in white. Perfect for all design purists....

Bestlite for the Best Lights?

We've long been an admirer of Bestlite - the lamp originally designed by Robert Dudley Best in 1930. The full range of desk, table, wall, floor and pendant lights is now on line and all come with FREE UK delivery! Check out the Bestlite Lights.

A Cautionary Tale

We've had a number of customers recently who have advised us of a couple of internet retailer who failed to deliver their items because they've 'disappeared'! This is a cautionary tale to all. So often web only retailers spin out the same yarn that they keep costs down so can pass on the discount to customers. This is a fallacy. In these recessionary times many suppliers are now wising up to the fact and will not deal with web only retailers (they don't want to take risks either) and so the website supply has dried up. We've even had one web company try to purchase items from us because the supplier wouldn't supply them! We can only reiterate the importance of dealing with a web company of integrity and, preferably, bricks and mortar stores too.

The Renshaw Hotel

We recently supplied furniture and lighting to the Renshaw Boutique Hotel in Liverpool. All too often now hotel owners think painting walls mushroom and having a few faux suede cushions and a fake fur throw puts them in the 'boutique' category. Well don't be duped! The owners of the Renshaw have really done a fantastic job and we've had some great feedback from some of our suppliers who have stayed there. As Liverpool's premier boutique hotel guests get the original chic boutique experience without the chic price tag. Utility gives it a five star thumbs up!

They've done Barbie - now it's Cindy's turn

OK - so it's a different spelling but that's artistic licence! Kartell have gone all 70s this week with the launch of the Cindy Table Lamp by Ferrucio Laviani - the great luminaire maestro of the Bourgie Lamp and Fly Light.

In 8 seductive metallic shades (tangerine, ultramarine, violet, gun mental, bronze, mint green, flamingo and platinum...are you seduced yet) Cindy is a rich lustrous light which we love love love! She costs £123.00 and takes a low energy bulb for all us eco conscious types. Retro chic at its very best. We're taking orders now for delivery in May.

Hunting & Gathering in Milan

Dick's just headed off to the Milan furniture fair. Just as well really as speaking to most suppliers the attendance will be low low low this year! Hopefully he'll come back with lots of new products. The sad new is that it's raining over there. I've never been to Milan when it isn't!