Last Sunday, I attended the Pulse trade show at the Earl’s Court exhibition centre. I was expecting to manoeuvre through a sea of people but instead it was rather calm. Probably because it was Sunday and most of the Trade visitors would be visiting on the weekday.

There was much to see. Despite a vigorous edit of my selection, I was left with quite a few favourites which I will present over 3 blog posts.

First up is Roddy and Ginger. Virginia Armstrong, the lovely illustrator and designer behind the brand was on hand to show me her homeware collection.

I liked the Scandinavian influence of her new collection, with its on trend tones of green and monochrome. I was drawn to her ’house’ wallpaper (top image). Virginia told me that the design for this wallpaper was inspired by the white wooden house shelf (very top image) which she found in a thrift store.

Next is my fellow blogging friend Silkie of Rosehip. I have previously featured Silkie’s new prints here. Her stall was a visual feast of colour. I love how Silkie is able to produce such a variety of styles and patterns that work so harmoniously together.

I was particularly taken by Silkie’s wrapping papers. As my children are frequently attending birthday parties, I’m constantly wrapping gifts. These bright and beautiful designs would certainly ease the monotony of the latter task.

I have always admired Sian Zeng’s quirky creativeness. It was unsurprising that the winner of the Elle Decoration young talent of the year award in 2010/2011 would create a stunning new collection.  I simply adore her new wallpaper and bedlinen collection with its accompanying mystical woodland and floral elements.

The flashes of neon emanating from La Cerise sur le gateau’s collection was hard to miss. I was interested to learn how its founder Anne Hubert, took the plunge to create her own design company, after much encouragement she received for her ability to customise  whilst working as a photo stylist.

Anne’s collection has been likened to a re-interpretation of classic French household linens but with a modern twist – Toile de Jouy and Liberty prints with a touch of humour.

Charlotte Day was one of the 17 graduates who beat the hundreds of applicants chosen by Central Saint Martins college of arts and design, to make their debut appearance at the Pulse. The concept behind her beautiful home sewn peg bags is to engage one in craft,  endearing the end product to its creator. The floral designs have been hand drawn and printed using the latest printing technologies.

Last but not least, the handmade homewares from Sweden and England created by Lotta Cole. I met Lotta at the show and she explained to me how her business is truly a family one.

Lotta creates homewares inspired by her home surroundings, a farm and forest owned by her great great grandfather in Sweden since 300 years ago. This forest of Juniper, Birch and Pine provide ample raw materials for Lotta’s work and has now been passed down to her father.  He was also the one who has taught Lotta how to work with wood since her early childhood.

I hope you have enjoyed this first edit of the show. I will report back with more in my next posts. wishing all a wonderful week. x