So here at Tat, we find most things through the antique and vintage market. With many things, I trust the old rather than the new. If it has already lasted a hundred years, that is better than any Trustpilot review I can think of. That all being said, sometimes we need to give the high street and high street adjacent a little love. So here is my round-up of the great high street honeys, which are online and in-store at the moment.
Things I noticed while searching -
Anthropologie and Zara have the best hardware. Curtain poles, handles and brackets - not always to my taste, but they are both doing interesting and, in the case of Zara, chic things. I find Zara homeware rather annoying; it tip-toes around so many people's designs, copying up to that 10% mark. It's probably stupid of me to say this is as it's rampant in the fashion industry, but I find it irksome in interiors. So I've tried to steer clear of anything I feel steps on the toes of designs I know.
Rattan, it's not going anywhere. It seems to be clinging on for dear life. I don't believe we should buy according to trend. If you want to buy a shell-shaped rattan wall light, be my guest, but I lament the hammering to death of a trend -it's so disappointing and unimaginative. There are exceptions to the rules. I still find simple rattan/ wicker items smart. I bought two shades the other day and am thoroughly happy with them.
All that being said, I do apologise for then, including The White Company’s rattan drinks trolley. It did something to me. I imagined myself in a 1980s Miami pool house being fixed a filthy martini.
Rowen & Wren, Toast & Woodedit are where I look for things for my home. Rowen & Wren offers such a good-looking line of items. Obviously, if you just had R&W, it might look a little too done, but having a smattering of their pieces would be a lucky place to be.
Although the poor stripe is being plastered onto any surface the designer can find, it still holds a place in my heart. I have a long-lasting love affair with that long streak of colour, so I will bide my time waiting for it to be so passé that I can enjoy it again. Although I may have to buy that delightful Mango box as I delight in the Hicks-like colouring.
A company that gets overlooked is Jim Lawrence. If you are looking for lighting and want simple, well-made pieces, look no further.
Re Found, I will never not enjoy perusing their site. They have a mighty range of colourful essentials and, more importantly, a fantastic degree of tat. Milagros is also an excellent place for colourful essentials, and I warn you - a glorious collection of tiles.
Even with all these stipulations and commentary, I hope you can still find this list helpful.
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