I had fallen in love with Farrow and Ball ever since the time when a friend introduced me to them. They were classy and sophisticated and we began a wonderful relationship. But after a while, I began to become a bit bored; they were so safe, so predictable - the excitement had gone. Many of us will be familiar with that feeling, I guess. Without fully realising it at the time, I was vulnerable, feeling insecure - I was ready for something new. Then one morning, in the paint aisle at Homebase, something happened that changed things forever. I was doing up a table in the shabby chic style and needed a new supply. I went straight to the ...  Read the complete review

Laura Ashley was a Welsh designer who was well known for her famous for her colourful fabrics and household furnishings. She died in 1985 aged 60 years old, she has shops all over the world and in the uk and has a website www.lauraashley.com For a long time I used to think that Laura Ashley shops were too old in the designs, I had never actually been in one, I just thought that the products from the outside were kind of grannyish until one day a couple of years ago I was shopping with a friend and she was searching the shops for some curtains and so we went into this shop. When I actually got inside the shop I was pleasantly surprised how modern ...  Read the complete review

Laura Ashley (LA) is a mid Wales based company, who for some resemble flowery wall papers and dresses. But as times change, and so has Laura Ashley LA today, not only offer furniture for sale, but home furnishing, wall paper, clothing and jewellery both by mail order, internet, and a in door store service. The furniture range as well as the home furnishings are vast, with the mail order clothing being sparse unless you visit a local store (of which there are many across the country, including franchise abroad). I have found that on all furniture, there is an extremely long waiting time for delivery, which can be annoying when your left ...  Read the complete review

I am such a huge fan of all things Laura Ashley. I absolutely love taking a trip to one of their stores and having a mooch. It really cheers me up!! Unfortunately I never seem to be able to afford to buy anything from there as it is extremely pricy buy they do have good sales and sometimes you can pick up some great products from their sales. Their materials are of such a hugh quality and are absolutely perfect for curtain making and pillow making etc. You can buy many products from here including ready made curtains, bed spreads and sets, furniture including wardrobes and drawers, chairs, materials as previously mentioned, ready made ...  Read the complete review

I first came across Laura Ashley in it's original incarnation in the 1970's when the shops were known only for clothing. Laura Ashley had started a 'cottage industry' in Wales producing country style prints and clothing designs that fitted the hippy vibe perfectly. Her clothes reflected an idealised country life, all floral smocks and lace. In Chester Laura Ashley sat up in the rows in Watergate street . The floor boards were uneven, the ceilings low and with original beams and the clothes were jam packed on the rails. Perfect for an 18 year old art student who wanted to rummage through tons of stuff until the perfect item was found! My favourite piece ...  Read the complete review