British-Nigerian artist, Yinka Ilori is known for his bold colours and playful patterns. His large scale installations and murals lift London’s sprits. Most recently, Ilori’s ventured into homewares, with a collection of technicolour trays, tablecloths, mugs and cushions that bring joy to the home. I have my eye on this cheerful rug –– they look like pineapples –– and I think we could all hang a Better Days Are Coming I Promise plate on our wall.

Marie Eklund is a woodworker who lives between Stockholm and the Swedish countryside. Her hand carved spoons caught my eye today, mostly because they remind me of the beautiful, dried seed heads we see in Winter. Her spoons are so precious and delicate; I’d love to frame a few them in a perspex box. Have a look at Eklund’s leg series. It’s both creepy and amusing.

Sandwiches are my forte. And I’m not bad with eggs. But this kitchen would turn me into a cordon bleu chef. I tell you, I’d be whipping up soufflés and paellas thrice weekly. Don’t you just love the tiles, (wall & floor) antique island and decadent still lives? Bien sur, there is a fresh baguette and a board of soft cheeses at the ready. Who knows when company might pop in.

Back in early February, when the city was covered in snow, I found Hyacinths at our corner shop and snapped up three bunches. I never see Hyacinths there, and while buying spring flowers in the depths of winter felt weird, they brought me joy. So much so, that I have bought a bunch a week, every week, since then. They’re such a fun and frilly bloom, and their scent fills the whole room. I wonder sometimes how I’ll feel about the smells and songs and tastes that came with this time. Tom Rosenthal. Bone broth and curly fries. Will Hyacinth forever be winter 2021?

I know brass isn’t everyone’s taste –– too traditional, perhaps –– but I do love the lustre and warmth it brings to an interior. I like the delicate floral frames here, and the giant pearls of light dangling from the lamp. It’s all very old fashioned, yes, and reminds me of a Parisian airbnb, but I like it.

This time last week, I was thinking (and writing) about my grandparent’s pink cottage. Today, I came across another pink cottage that whisked me back to Bermuda, circa 1985. This cottage is in Dorset, and painted by the wonderfully talented Vanessa Bowman. Her simple, bucolic scenes, The Vegetable Garden, Last of the Figs, Watering the Sunflowers, are so cheering. I love how her still lives –– Dahlias and Pomegranate –– have a collage quality. Have a look at Bowman’s shop; her prints are delightful, and affordable.

It’s one of my favourite colours, mustard, with a hint of chartreuse. I have a coat in this colour, and it brings me joy to wear. These chairs are up there on my list of 100 most coveted items. It’s a long list, I know. The interior is designed by Pierre Yovanovitch whose work I admire a lot. Pull up a seat, why don’t you.