The country floral patterns that at one time were reserved for the older generations have recently made us go all granny chic, thanks to the likes of designers such as Cath Kidston. Vintage loving fashionistas have long been rocking the trend with the regeneration of bygone era floral fashion, with the shabby chic style extending from clothing to homewares. One reason why retro florals are now so popular is because it taps into the romantic ideals of the 40s and 50s, incorporating the wartime fascination of the make do and mend rule, when everything was simple, attractive and less commercial.
I was never one for floral anything, whether socks or cushions, so it’s surprised even myself how appealed, or rather obsessed, about the trend I’ve become. I just love the pretty colours and delicate detailing and it’s got to be realistic looking, which is how we’ll see the trend developing this year; it’s all about botanicals: fine art depictions of plants and flowers. You heard it here first. (Well, after Vogue.)
Something I always have been and always will be is cost conscious, or ‘thrifty’ as is the age old term. Cath Kidston prints as beautiful as they are can be pretty pricey but to embrace these gorgeous florals doesn’t have to cost the earth. I’ve been buying some bargain bits and pieces here and there and I’m going to share them with you. You see, everyone can afford the vintage inspired look!
This is my Rosali Duvet Set from Ikea. This was an exciting find for me as it’s been hugely popular and sells out quickly. The print was allegedly designed by Cath Kidston for Ikea some time ago but as her name isn’t on the packaging you’re not paying the Cath Kidston price tag. The set comes in white or blue and I adore the blue colourway so much. This is a bargain at £24.99 king size!
This is my Minky ironing board which I bought about three years ago. I thought it was pretty cute with it’s pink feet and detailing, and the cover was cool too but I recently found a much nicer one which suits the board really well. The floral ironing board cover is from B & M Stores which is a haven for good quality bargains. The pattern reminds me of Cath Kidston’s ‘Provence Rose’ and the colour is so fresh and vibrant. It cost only £2.99.
This was another great purchase from B & M Stores. I wanted a sturdy box to store my surplus make up products in, and because it was to be kept in the bedroom I wanted it to look pretty. This box is perfect and does the job well. The sky blue is a lovely contrast against the pink flowers. A fantastic buy at £1.99.
Now, this is a really attractive oven mitt; the colours are vibrant and it’s so pretty. It’s not great for your hands, though! I think it’s not that wellmade in respect of the padding and fabric used, I feel heat coming through the glove pretty quickly when I’m removing a hot tray out of the oven. I dread to think how it passed safety tests. :-/ It cost £1 from Pound World. You could say you get what you pay for but because I love looking at it (and it’s partner as I bought two), these will be staying in the kitchen.
This is the Ditsy Paper Tray from Matalan which I thought would be great for storage. I decided to use it as my sock box and keep all my socks and tights in it. It’s so big and spacious you could use it as so many different things such as store magazines, toiletries or some logs by the fire. For only £5, this doesn’t set you back much.
This is still one of my favourites; a white and lilac button padded floral seat cushion which has tie backs so I can secure it to my bedroom chair. It looks so shabby chic and a perfect match. The fabric is cotton and washes well in the washing machine, which is great news if you spill foundation on your cushion like I did! I only paid £1.99 for it from B & M Stores (you should by now have guessed they’re a good shop to try out!).
If you missed my Christmas present post last month, here’s a reminder in case you can still buy this. It’s actually an iPhone case for your mobile but I bought it with the intention to fit my iPod Touch in it, which it does perfectly. I found it in Poundland of all places for, well, a £1! There was a choice of pink or blue and naturally I went for the blue one because I think I have a thing for blue florals. This is a really good buy as it looks and feels much more than just £1’s worth.
Do you like the vintage floral theme? Seen any similar items for bargain prices? Please share if you’ve spotted anything!
Great post! I love home decor stuff, I have the same oven glove from Poundland and a very similar box thing from Matalan:P. Love the Ikea bedding too. E x
Have you found the same with the oven glove? I’m always on the look out for more floral home goodies so you’ll have to give me a shout if you find anything! 😀
Emma
January 16, 2013 at 10:13 pmGreat post! I love home decor stuff, I have the same oven glove from Poundland and a very similar box thing from Matalan:P. Love the Ikea bedding too.
E
x
Becky Boudoir
January 17, 2013 at 12:33 amHi Emma, thanks very much!
Have you found the same with the oven glove? I’m always on the look out for more floral home goodies so you’ll have to give me a shout if you find anything! 😀
Becky x