As we head into the new year, we are keen to share a few high street interior finds that we believe are worth a look.  In keeping with the Pepper & Ink mantra, we firmly believe it is those added extras that make a difference and Zara Home in our view always comes up trumps.  

As we try and lift morale on a rather grey January day, we love this blue striped cushion cover with ruffled edges from Zara Home (Striped Cushion Cover with Ruffle, £29.99, 50x75cms).  Simplicity at its best and an easy design to mix with existing cushions, as seen here with the Chhatwal & Jonsson Tiger Dot Ikat cushion (Pepper & Ink Home, £65.00, 50x50cms).  

The Long bench at Zara Home (£299.99, 139cmx47cmx39cm) also captured our attention - we love the rattan seating and think this piece would instantly upgrade a  bedroom or sitting room.  A small nod to colonial times but one that could be easily softened with cushions or throws as seen in the image above.  

Last but not least, no Pepper & Ink scheme would be complete without some flowers and this shot of our Garden Trading Bulb Vase (£16.00) beats the January blues every time......

x

Last year we were lucky enough to go on a family holiday to South Africa and I managed to persuade my team to the Woodstock area,  Cape Town to this super cool market at The Old Biscuit Mill. Small artisan shops fill the space and soaking up the vibe was just what I love to do! 

When we were there I came across the potter Clementina van der Walt.  I was drawn to the beautiful and striking colours of her bowls and plates and as per my usual style, negotiations took place between my husband and I if I could buy a few bits to take home.  As luck would have it, I succeeded ! They have become some of my favourite items and even though they are small (ramekin size) they are perfectly formed. The bold colour and glaze on the inside is stunning and then the rough outer side makes it super tactile. 

Caz and I have been trying to import some of her collection since I returned and finally, last week they arrive. Each piece is unique and truly stunning.  There can be no doubt South Africa has quite an edge when it comes to interiors and these pieces bring a little bit of this style back here to the UK.

With time, we will be adding these to our website but given their own unique characteristics, no one piece is the same and so the normal online format just doesn't do them justice.  If you would like any more information or details on these products, please do not hesitate to get in touch at pepperandinkhome@gmail.com or DM us on instagram.

We hope you love them as much as we do! x

In an effort to find some sunshine this summer, one half of the Pepper & Ink team enjoyed a mini escape to Lisbon last weekend.  Such a great city, amazing food, friendly throughout and wall to wall blue skies which was a definite boost to morale.  During our stay, we made a beeline to visit Comporta on the coast which is about an hour south of Lisbon - its been on our hit list for a while and it didn't disappoint. What a gem and we could not rate it high enough - a mini fix of retail in Comporta itself, great beach cafes on the coast and amazing scenery with rice fields, sand dunes and the Atlantic all in the mix.  

On our return, we dropped into Quinta da Comporta which is about 10kms further down the coast.  WOW ! An instant interiors fix - stunning design overlooking the rice fields and minutes from the beach - counting down the days till we return. 

Definitely one to recommend for a reboot - serenely calm, inspiring & beautifully put together.  See you in Portugal !

We were thrilled to host a cookery demo with Alex Edgecombe from The Little Pickle, Gloucestershire earlier this month - inspiring summer recipes and great to see our kitchenware put to such good use.  Bring on the sunshine, summer entertaining looks set to be much more fun this year.

Do watch out for The Little Pickle's Supper Club - we can personally vouch that this is a really talented team.  We are big fans of a pop-up and these supper clubs are well worth a look.