DECORATING "FOR GOOD": 3 DESIGN RESOURCES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

I’m scrambling & packing for quick trip to U.S., but wanted to put a few amazing things I’ve discovered in London on your radar. Each one deserves a dedicated blog post of its own, but for now I’ll just give you a “taster,” as they say here in U.K. & you can let me know which ones you want me to expand on soon, ok? Enjoy!

#1 - HAINES COLLECTION. Founded by a self described “interior lover and waste hater,” the Haines Collection brings to life the genius idea of selling interior designers’ left over yardage (think fabric, wallpaper, trims…) to mere mortals like myself who want to spruce up their spaces.

Founder Jules Haines with just a few of the wares from her site

I recently got a smattering of beautiful blue linen printed fabrics via their website — all at a fraction of the price that designers would pay or charge. And best of all, these bits are kept out of landfill! Win, win, win.

These are just a few of the goodies you can see on their site - & I love how they give you suggestions for use, ie; this Fermoie paper-backed fabric could be beautiful to line drawers or a cabinet with….

Their photos are actually better than any of the fabric houses' sites — so you really get a sense of what you’re buying….

They are based in U.K. but have international shipping - & with the huge cost reductions it is still worth it (although obviously more eco-friendly without the plane, but let’s not dwell on that:). I heard a podcast interview with Jules where she hinted they’re hoping to bring concept to the U.S. Such a smart idea - fingers crossed!

#2 - TP CARING SPACES. This is another inspired idea, brought to life by successful British interior designers Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock who wanted to give back to the community during Covid. Above is just one example of TP Caring Spaces’ charitable projects, whereby they take over a space and imbue it with style and high-end donated product and textiles.

The image above is from the same project, a place called Bridlepath - a sanctuary for recuperating cancer patients and their family. Honestly, I can’t think of a prettier place to heal, can you?

Below is another one of their projects - a community center that had to cater to needs of both small children and adults. It was a dingy, cluttered area before TP Caring Spaces got there — & now so cheerful.

Check out the Before & After’s below!

I signed up to volunteer on a project months ago but they’re over-subscribed, which I guess is a good thing. You can donate product or make a contribution on their website — and again, back to U.S., I would looooooove to do this in D.C. or New Hampshire when we move back, so keep me posted if you know of any needs or opportunities!

#3 - FINE CELL WORK. Last but definitely not least is Fine Cell Work, an organization that teaches needlework skills to prisoners and helps prepare them for careers after their release.

Some of your absolute favorite British designers and hoteliers have teamed up with Fine Cell Work over the past 25 years (ie; Pentreath & Hall, Kit Kemp, Cath Kidston), creating beautiful patterns for pillows and all kinds of soft furnishings.

Every purchase you make helps keep their mission going. You can shop for range of items here — and yes, they ship to U.S.!!

So that’s it — off to finish packing now. Hope you all are well & your families are safe & healthy. Such a crazy time in the world, I feel like giving back and creating whatever beauty or comfort around us is sometimes the best we can do.

Cheers & see you next week,

Lee