The Science Museum in London was the chosen venue for the HB Awards

We have some very exciting news to share with you all and we can’t wait to tell you more! Last night, Cassie and I went off to the big city for the House Beautiful Awards Ceremony at the Science Museum. We had been nominated for an award in the ‘Best Lighting Category.’

We were greeted with drinks and canapes and mingled amongst the other guests. It was a star-studded event and we even spotted Alan Titchmarsh talking to Mary Berry.
We were then directed through to the theatre where the awards were going to be given. We eagerly awaited for our category to come up. There were some fantastic winners in some of the other categories.  Our particular favourites were Thornback and Peel who won the ‘Best Furniture’ Award with their collaboration with Sofa.com. We also loved the winners of the ‘Best Fabric’ category: Wabi Sabi with their 2013 collection.

We just had to share these gorgeous pictures with you. Etre Creative have been busy again, this time styling a beautiful show home at Montford Place in Sunbury on Thames for Linden Homes.

A stunning pendant light for a beautiful showroom

Nothing says English country home elegance like Downton Abbey. If, like us, you have been thoroughly enjoying the wonderful period style and design of the Edwardian era in this new season, why not see if you can recreate a little of the look in your own home with our range of period look lighting?

(Image Nick Briggs/ITV for Masterpiece via www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2011/12/downton-abbey-slideshow-201112)

The Jim Lawrence team would like to wish Victoria Brock, from our sales team, lots of luck with her first ever book signing this coming weekend, 3rd August from 11am-3pm, in Waterstones Bury St Edmunds.

Victoria with her book in the Showroom

When we heard that the Hadleigh Ram (just five minutes from our showroom and workshop) was being renovated by the family behind The Long Melford Swan we knew we were to expect something rather special, and we certainly haven’t been disappointed.

We nipped down (in the interests of our blog readers of course!) to meet Lorna Macmillan and find out a bit more about why the style and look of this new restaurant and bar is causing such excitement locally.

Why did you feel Hadleigh was a good spot to choose for your next venture ?

We love the history and location of the Swan in Long Melford and were looking for somewhere that had a similar feel. Hadleigh is a great little market town and we really felt there was an opportunity to introduce a new restaurant and bar here.

There was quite a stir in the showroom last week as the famous choreographer and TV star Louie Spence dropped by to pick up some lampshades.

Every month we have a good look through all of the gorgeous interiors magazines (its a tough job but someone has to do it!) and love to see if we can spot our products in print. Recently we spotted some of our Fulbourn Pendants in an advert for Hill Farm in the Aga Living magazine. Hill Farm are a lovely company who make bespoke kitchens and furniture – unique items that are as individual as the people whose homes they are created for.

We were delighted to spot our Fulbourn Pendants in this lovely kitchen. We think they really compliment the room, adding a contemporary clean finish whilst also remaining rustically elegant. The pendants are pictured here in our matt black finish and are made from forged iron with a glass shade. The fluted glass of this pendant produces beautiful patterned lighting when switched on, adding a silky ambience to the room. They are a perfect addition to any kitchen island or table. However they are not just suited to a kitchen, they can be used anywhere in your home.

Marking its centenary year, Chelsea Flower Show 2013 certainly didn’t disappoint. With the world’s eyes on this tiny 11 acre site in West London, our visit to Chelsea was an assault on the senses. With 150,000 visitors through the gates over 5 days, there was no doubt that it is still the mecca for plant and garden lovers! From heady scents to vivid blooms there was no end of inspiration for your home, surrounded by such fantastic colors. I came back to Suffolk full of plans for filling my rooms with floral patterns. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s show, and some choices for fabrics and soft furnishings that may help you bring a little bit of Chelsea magic home with you!

We have a winner !
We had some fantastic responses to our question of where would you put our Samworth Glass Oil Lamp.

As soon as I saw the Cole and Son Birch wall paper I knew we had found a seriously stylish couple of local florists.

Lovely Jane (pictured here) and Libby listened to all my slightly mad thoughts for the spring mini brochure and then got to work suggesting some rather cool ideas.

One of my real favorites was definitely the gold fish bowl of tulips (brilliant Libby!)

With the plans for the shoot all in place, the following Thursday I took the trusty Volvo round to their shop in Ipswich and completely filled it to the gunnels with all manner of spring gorgeousness.