Summer 2012 has been the most uplifting and jubilant season, starting with the Diamond Jubilee celebration in May, and followed by the London Olympics in July and August. As national pride surge, the Beautiful Britannia elements are creeping into the latest fashion and product design. The Union Jack’s red, blue and white is no longer … Continue reading »
One the best window displays in Fulham is the Cissbury souvenir shop on Wandsworth Bridge Road. This weekend, the shop captured the Diamond Jubilee fever through fabulous selections of souvenirs made by English craftsmen and British designers. The theme of the shop display changes to mark every important celebrations, which pleases passers-by on the tree-lined … Continue reading »
Haus Properties stands out from most of the properties agencies in Fulham. From the outside, it could easily be mistaken as a state-of-the art interior design office. It refreshing to finally see a property agency that reflects the distinctive character of Fulham, as well as the discerning taste of the clients they represent. “We are … Continue reading »
This winter, Guinevere has most arresting window display on Kings Road. The sight of the red deer antlers chandelier has stopped me on my track quite a few times. It is a daring lighting concept. It looks almost like a crown of thorns. The shop was founded by Genevieve Weaver, a French milliner who moved … Continue reading »
At night, Tindle lighting shop gleams like a jewelled-encrusted crown in the middle of Wandsworth Bridge Road. Tindle was a family business founded in 1987 and acquired by Dernier & Hamlyn Holdings twenty years later. Dernier & Hamlyn has been supplying lightings for public buildings, palaces, super yachts and cathedrals since 1888. There is a high … Continue reading »
The North End Road is Fulham’s local market for weekly vegetables and household goods. Besides offering competitive food price against huge supermarkets, it offers vivid visual presentations. I enjoy interacting with friendly fruits and vegetables sellers. Today I spotted Christmas pine trees being displayed in the market for the first time. Every year Dave runs … Continue reading »
Jazz Flowers at Wandsworth Bridge Road is a sight to behold. For the past 11 years, the local florist adds extra colours to a busy, tree-lined road. It is owned by Janet Bolton, who is assisted by a team of cheerful (and beautiful ladies) from international backgrounds – Gina (England), Ksenia (Estonia), Fatima (Iran) and … Continue reading »
Vagabond Wines at Vanston Place is more than a wine shop. It is a wine experience. The shop was opened 14 months ago, contributing to the improved dining scene in Fulham. I know little about wines and choosing them can be a bit intimidating. However stepping into Vagabond, I was greeted with a casual atmosphere … Continue reading »
Head to Wandsworth Bridge Road if you are not a fan of IKEA. It is lined with furniture shops from top to bottom, especially of the pinewood and oak varieties. This is one of the antique furniture shops, displaying French country furniture. I love the customised Union Jack chair.
My friend Steven Lee is a brilliant photographer who has published photobooks on wonderful interiors of places that he visited around the world. Lumina is a wonderful collection of photographs focusing on classical interior details. Ordinary things that look stunning through Steven’s lens. Lumina is available on Blurb Books. LUMINA by Steven V-L Lee | … Continue reading »
Ivy makes a great garden hedge although it has the reputation to be invasive. This is an interior design project I documented for Chelsea-based designer, Max de Luca. The deep green hue looks fabulous against the pale pinewood fence. Ivy is featured on the frame of Millais’s painting, Ophelia (c 1851). According to Tate website: … Continue reading »
This is a typical view in my neighbourhood in Fulham. Wild jasmine crawling up the wall. The wild English garden is unruly, but in a nice way. The “wilderness garden” concept was introduced by Irish gardener and journalist William Robinson. It was inspired by the 19th century British Arts & Craft movement.
My late grandmother, bless her soul, couldn’t read or write. But she was brilliant at gardening. If I have her talent I could have named this species. It’s probably a type of provence rose. I am surprised to find roses as late as November here. But we had an unusually longer summer in London this … Continue reading »
