Spineless Classics – Your Favourite Books as Wall Art

Literature lovers rejoice, Spineless Classics have produced bold art prints that on closer inspection are fully readable entire classic novels. A fabulous way to enjoy your favourite books in a new way, these graphic art prints are ideal for adorning the walls of every interior from a country cottage to a city apartment.

The Wind in the Willows

Spineless Classics is the brainchild of Carl Pappenheim, the idea came to him by accident one year when he was too broke to splash out on expensive Christmas gifts. Despite his financial constraints, he wanted to give his mother a present with meaning. By collaborating with an architectural drawing company, he printed her favourite novel on a poster, and so the Spineless Classics masterpiece was created.

The Great Gatsby

Presented rolled in a tube to avoid creasing or folds, each style makes a wonderful gift idea for any literature lover. Each novel or literary work is printed onto lush, satin finish paper with state-of-the-art printing technology, the text is pin-sharp and the paper non-reflective so you can hang & light it exactly as you wish, each style is in an easily farmable size.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Where there are shapes in the design, the words wrap to the edges rather than being removed or shaded. The apparent font size is roughly 4 point which is perfectly legible with the naked eye if you have 20/20 vision, or with light magnification if you don’t. The perfect way to enjoy your favourite classic book, each will become a beloved piece of art wherever it is placed.

Pride and Prejudice

 At Spineless Classics they believe that having a great work of art form the backdrop of your life figuratively shouldn’t stop you having it there literally, and whether you love it because it changed your world view, or just made you happy for an idle hour, a favourite book can be a significant part of who you are.


By janep | Posted in New... | Tagged Gifts, Home Accessories, Spineless Classics | Comments (0)

Designer Focus – Donna Karan

“Everything I do is a matter of heart, body and soul,” says Donna Karan, chief designer of the international company that bears her name. An internationally renowned designer, she has created a diamond strong brand identity and an entire lifestyle of trend setting designs from fashion to the home.

Her story began in New York where she was born into a family of fashion on Long Island. It was only natural that Karan, while still in high school, designed her first collection and staged her first show. Her first big break came when she was hired by Anne Klein for a summer job. After three years as an associate designer, Karan was named successor following Klein’s death in 1974.

After ten years of designing Anne Klein, Karan was ready to go out on her own with the support of Weiss and partner Takiyho, Inc. Fall 1985 saw the first Donna Karan New York Collection and the reaction from the press and retailers proved once again that Karan made fashion history.

 Karan took on the world of beauty in 1992, and completing the lifestyle approach to design, in 2001 she introduced a Donna Karan Home collection which includes everything from luxury bedding and candles to cashmere throws, and DKNY home, which accents interiors with fashion-forward bedding and accessories.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America has saluted her six times; and most recently in 2010 she was nominated for their Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. In 2003, she was the first American designer to receive Fashion Group International’s “Superstar Award.” In 2007, Glamour magazine named Karan one of their Women of the Year.

The Donna Karan Lenox Collection is a collaboration with Lenox, America’s leading tabletop brand, together they have produced a luxurious & elegant tableware collection. Understated designs give each piece a subtle style that will easily blend with any home. As functional as it is chic, The Donna Karan Lenox collection makes everyday living a personal expression and is available now at Amara.


By janep | Posted in Designer Focus | Tagged Donna Karan | Comments (0)

Style Guide – Florals

Spring is just over the horizon and with it comes a fresh new take on the floral trend. Popular in the spring fashion shows, the hero of this trend is Brit based designer Erdem Moragliogu, the man with the most creative take on florals since legendary mid-century florist Constance Spry. His enchanting prints are as fresh and fragrant as an English garden, transforming stale dull florals from seasons past into bold & bright patterns. A fabulous trend to take to your interior, add a statement floral home accessory or several key pieces, mix & match clashing floral prints for an instant spring interior makeover.

"68" Rue De Saints Peres Bean Bag - Orange by Sonia Rykiel Maison

 

This Sonia Rykiel Masion bean bag will make a statement wherever it is placed. It features a pretty floral pattern in shades of orange, yellow and pink on a black background and is filled with polystyrene beads making it incredibly comfy.

Mebehal Rug by Missoni Home

 

Add an instant garden to any room with this fantastically vibrant Mebehal rug from Missoni Home. A perfect rug to transform any living area this rug is made from luxurious 100% wool making it super soft under foot.

Daisy Patch Cushion - Blossom by Designers Guild

 

Bright and breezy this Daisy Patch cushion is part of the Kids collection form Designers Guild. With a delightful patchwork design of flowers, stripes and polka dots, combined with embroidered highlights this cushion will bring a breath of fresh air to any sofa or bed.

Birds in Paradise Duvet Cover Set - Khaki - by Pip Studio

 

Pip Studio’s shabby chic designs are perfect to fit the bill for this trend. This Birds in Paradise duvet cover set has a pretty floral design featuring pink flowers and birds on a khaki background, and the reverse has a pretty blue and white floral pattern.

Chinoise Weekender - Brown by Pip Studio

Take the floral trend with you wherever you go with this Chinoise Weekender bag from Pip. With an all-over floral pattern & cute little birds on a brown background, it is the perfect size to fit everything you need for a weekend away, and it will brighten up the day of anyone who uses it.


By janep | Posted in Style Guide | Tagged Missoni Home, Pip Studio, Soft Furnishings | Comments (0)

Warm up with Cosy Throws

It’s still freezing outside, days are long and dark, so what better way to warm up than with a big cosy throw. One of the most versatile soft furnishings the throw has many uses from laying on the end of bed for texture, draped over a sofa or armchair for a style & colour update, and they look simply fabulous layered with complimenting cushions for a completed look.

Flag Throw Beige /White by Lexington

This Lexington Flag throw is in warm beige and features the Lexington flag pattern in classic white. It measures 130x280cm and is made from 100% cotton, and also has cream fringing and a luxurious soft texture.

Large Black Union Jack Throw by Jan Constantine

Pretty and patriotic this Union Jack Throw from the Jan Constantine collection features hand embroidered appliqués on a black background. This soft and warm throw is made from 100% wool and measures 152x122cm / 60×48″. Perfect to snuggle up in or use as a cosy bedspread this throw looks great layered with Jan Constantine cushions.

Black Rose Striped Mohair Throw by Sonia Rykiel Maison

This Black Rose throw is part of the Sonia Rykiel Maison Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection. Featuring a pretty striped plaid design this throw is made from super soft 100% mohair, it will add a touch of luxury to any sofa or bed and makes a fabulous luxury gift idea. 

Husky Throw - T59 by Missoni Home

Add designer style to your living space with the boldly coloured Husky throw from Missoni Home. In a soft weave this fringed throw features multi-colours and is made from 100% wool, soft & sumptuous and perfect for livening up any room.

Breeze Throw - Ivory by Hamam

This Hamam ivory coloured Breeze throw looks fabulous in any colour scheme and features special embroidery which makes it unique. Made from 100% cotton this throw is soft to touch and has a luxurious 600 thread count, and it also features antimite, antimosquito, & antibacterial protection.

Amara has over a hundred different throws from the best luxury brands for you to choose from.


By janep | Posted in Top 5 | Tagged Hamam, Jan Constantine, Soft Furnishings | Comments (0)

Hamam Luxury Towels

Every bathroom has the opportunity to be a relaxing haven with the luxurious range of towels and towelling products by successful Ottoman brand Hamam. A ritual that has been inherited for centuries, Hamam has become a new lifestyle with the know-how in bath and spa experience.

Hamam produce several different ranges from Premium; towels, bathrobes & makeup bags featuring peerless crystal detailing to Sultan, part of the Classics towelling range this includes towels and bathrobes that are elegant and refined for understated style. Each unique collection of towelling by Hamam has been created by designers who have significant knowledge and experience in their fields.

Collection of luxury towels by Hamam

Many of Hamam’s towels have been made from Hydrocotton- ultra long staple Turkish Egean cotton harvested from Turkey’s Denizli region, famous for growing the world’s finest cotton. A symbol for softness and absorbency, the fibre remains wonderfully soft even after repeated washing and retains its fluffy appearance. With the use of high quality ecology and the latest technical manufacturing such as its antibacterial process, Hamam has become a top quality producer of luxury towels with worldwide recognition, supplying top hotels and exclusive yachts around the globe.

With many Hamam ranges to choose from it is easy to find the perfect towel collection to compliment your bathroom and add instant luxury and comfort to every bathing experience.


By janep | Posted in Why we love... | Tagged bath towels, Hamam | Comments (0)

Introducing Eva Sonaike Cushions and Shopper Bags

Bring colour to life with the fabulous new cushions and shopper bags from Eva Sonaike. One of the latest brands to be welcomed to Amara, Eva Sonaike combined her passions for African fabrics, interior decoration and colour to create her own label.

After being UK Fashion Editor for Hubert Burda Media for five years and working for German Elle, InStyle and Focus, Eva Sonaike decided to bring her passion for African fabrics and her exuberant love for colour to the luxury market.

Collection of cushions and shopper bags by Eva Sonaike

Born and raised in Germany and of Nigerian origin, Eva Sonaike has taken the best elements of those two cultures to inspire her work – her designs draw from the two distinct influences of colourful African clothing culture and European antique & mid century furniture traditions.

 All of the cushions in the Eva Sonaike collection have a distinctive vibrancy and batik style printed fabric, filled with duck feathers they are also sumptuously soft. The colourful shopper bags each feature soft lambs leather straps with African wax-print lining sourced from markets in Nigeria and Ghana.

All Eva Sonaike products are manufactured & printed in England and emphasis is placed on hand finishing, distinct designs and high quality.


By janep | Posted in New... | Tagged Eva Sonaike, Gifts, Soft Furnishings | Comments (0)