HB Edit - Edition 2
Sharing the things on my ebay watch list that I don't have the space or money for, but wish I did.
I am so happy that some of you participated in the ebay thrill and actually made purchases off the back of the last edition. 4 out of 8 items sold almost immediately, so if you’re in the market for some retail therapy this time, sharpen your elbows.
If I had a chic Spanish home, or even an English one that was a bit more minimalist, I would pounce on this stool. I’m never quite sure of the function of this type of stool, but floating by a fireplace, or perhaps in a hallway or bedroom, it would look seriously cool. I vote wherever maximum foot-fall as it’s a real beauty.
2. Watercolour Painting of Cowboys:
Art is really hard. Even once you’ve figured out what you like, it’s all so expensive. I have been lucky on ebay with art, but I still find it tricky to mine for gold. This watercolour, however, is a good palette, nicely framed, and easy on the eyes. Tick, tick, tick.
This is another item that has been on my watch list for a long time. I genuinely love it. It would be great in a bedroom, or if you have an open-plan space and want some furniture that’s not too solid to break it up, this would be the thing. It’s nice and deep so could take a squishy cushion.
Of all the items on this edit, I am most tempted by this martini table. It would work in any room, and is the perfect size for a gin and tonic, a bowl of crisps and a good book (the holy trinity). Put this alongside a properly comfortable armchair and I will not leave your house.
Like us all, this chair has great potential. The arms are a great shape, and with a new feather base cushion it would be super comfortable. While I actually like it how it is, it probably needs a little TLC. The real caveat is that re-upholstery is often more expensive than people realise (I would guess this needs about 5m of fabric, and might cost a few hundred pounds for the labour).
A lot of my favourite interiors and designers are American - Sister Parish and Albert Hadley are no exceptions. Sometimes, the best inspiration is found in the pages of an out-of-print book, and not on Instagram (no shade, j’adore Instagram). If I was richer, I’d happily spend £55 on a book I don’t need.
This type of bamboo table is often found in rural antiques centres (and truthfully, they’re a bit cheaper than listed here), but I like that this is a blonde version, and the seller is in London so it’s easy to collect. It is very smart, and would make a great bedside table (not a pair, not a problem).
Two paintings in one edit, phwoar. This is super grown up. It’s a wee bit spenny, but I think that spending a little more on art is really worth it; a painting rather than a print elevates any room, and I like the sludgy colours of this Modern British oil.
Feature: for each edition, I will feature a person, object or room that inspires me.
Some of my all time favourite places are house museums (a person’s home, later turned into a museum). Visiting somewhere that feels lived in, as if its owner has just left the room, is so much more inviting. And, typically, these people have such enviable taste that every inch is worth studying, even the broom cupboard. Lanzarote-born artist and architect César Manrique is no exception.
I knew nothing of Manrique until I went to Lanzarote in November 2021 with my bestie Suse, on a last ditch attempt to get some sun. We were a bit apprehensive, since our only references were the post-A-level trips to the strip - known as Lanza-grotty - but we were happily disproven, (and have since rebranded it as Glam-zarote).
Lanzarote is a volcanic island, so the sand throughout is black and the rock formations are Mars-like. It makes the sea look extremely dark and dramatic; it’s haunting, but very beautiful. Amongst these rocks and throughout the 20th century, Manrique defined the island’s aesthetic, building houses, a studio, botanical gardens, restaurants and public monuments, in his unique style.
My favourites - his studio and house, and the Foundation - are full of his relaxed, mid-century charm, innovative design and inimitable use of colour. In stark contrast to the black rocks, Manrique used bright white walls and pools of turquoise water. His clever use of glass and mirrors brings the volcanic landscape in, and his homes - and the island - became the set for some extremely glamorous parties, bringing together friends from Madrid, Paris and New York. If only the walls could talk.
Everywhere you look there is a beautiful ceramic, a perfectly considered architectural detail or a dramatic view, and even though you’re not supposed to take photos, I couldn’t resist.
We hired a chartreuse Hyundai 4x4, and happily drove around the island, stopping at small beaches, local markets and viewpoints. We ate and drank well; the island is renowned for its wine, and the cuisine consists mainly of incredibly salty, boiled potatoes, which I loved. It was such a special trip; not too far away, beautiful blue skies, lots of culture and reasonably priced. I’ve recommended it to anyone who will listen ever since, and maybe I can persuade a few more on here...
More anon!
You write SO bloody well. Never give this up!! Xxx
Thanks again, H, a great post, most enjoyable to read, well-written, and full of personal insight! Multiple boxes beautifully ticked ✅✅✅