Laura Ashley revives classics

Now in its 60th anniversary year, Laura Ashley has given the conceptual Bloomsbury collection a revival for SS13. The quintessentially British lifestyle brand founded on a rich design heritage and on the traditional values of quality and originality, have drawn on inspiration from these designs, which have been lovingly stored in its archive over the years. Bold, freely painted patterns, shown in signature prints Queen Mary and Charleston Grapes, combined with a Skandi influence; provide the basis for this striking collection, which remains true to its original colourations of jade, plum, primrose and steel grey. A real interiors statement, the collection presents kitchen, living room and lifestyle furniture and accessories in an individual fashion, while quirky fabrics and wallpapers complete the look. It’s been over 25 years since Laura Ashley played a key part in the restoration of Charleston Farmhouse by reproducing the fabrics originally designed in the 30's by leading Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Following this successful project, Laura Ashley was granted the rights to carefully re-colour these popular designs and introduce them into the 1987 Laura Ashley Home Furnishing collection. Jo Bennett, Senior Design Manager – Laura Ashley Home, comments: “Bloomsbury invokes a creative nostalgia derived from freedom of expression. From painting on walls to decorating every possible surface – capturing that essence is vital to this archive collection”. There are many ways to recreate the Bloomsbury look in your own home from sofas and chairs to cushions and crockery. With its plump, sumptuous cushions, our comfy, contemporary Denver sofa bed is fashionable as well as functional especially when upholstered in a distinctive Bloomsbury print. This season Laura Ashley has also introduced a line of upholstered dining chairs in a range of styles, all of which can be upholstered in a vast selection of fabrics. The Canterbury Upholstered Dining Chair in Villandry Amethyst is the perfect accompaniment to the Bloomsbury look. The Bloomsbury fabrics have also been imaginatively interpreted onto a selection of soft furnishings and decorative accessories which are perfect if you don’t want to redecorate a whole room, but simply add a hint of colour and style. The Charleston Cushion is a neutral coloured cushion which features a stylised swirl design circle on the front with patterned borders. Meanwhile the Queen Mary Print Jug picks up the distinctive colours and patterns of the Queen Mary print which have been carefully hand painted onto the cream jug in Portugal. The Carter Mirror makes a great finishing touch. This distinctive diamond shaped mirror has a gold frame and can be hung either vertically or horizontally. This unusual piece will work with any type of décor but particularly compliments the Bloomsbury room set, its sharp angles contrasting against the soft edged, pastel shade patterns of the Queen Mary and Charleston Grape prints.