It's not often I go into raptures about a whole range of stuff from the same brand. However, I am about to make an exception for the new A by Amara collection. I know what you're thinking: of COURSE she's being nice about Amara - they're the ones who gave her that blog award she won't stop banging on about! But I implore you: don't judge until you've seen the (gorgeous) goods. Seriously - even if I wanted to be all cool about this collection, I'd have failed miserably.
But it's no surprise this collection is so sexy. Over the past 11 years Amara has become an authority on luxurious interiors, selling as it does so many beautiful products from so many desirable brands. This process has meant that co-founder Sam Hood has learned loads about what her customers truly love, and has taken this insight and applied it to the design of A by Amara. Bloody clever business plan if you ask me *takes notes*.
So here are my 9 picks from the collection, divided into three trends: Bazaar, Odyssey and Enchanted...
BAZAAR
1) Peony Vase with Handle (Small), £35
This little green beauty's just begging for a few blooms - either real or faux. As green goes with everything (as Mother Nature - and Amara - very well knows) this vase would look just as good with a few pale snowdrops as it would with a couple of blowsy pink peonies or bright orange orchids (as per lifestyle shot, above).
2) Sugarbush Tapas Plates, £8 each
I'm not the greatest or the most enthusiastic of cooks (understatement alert). But it's amazing how a colour-pop plate will detract from the fact that it's piled high with burnt sausages. And these tapas plates look good enough to eat on their own, so maybe I won't even bother with the food...
3) Meandering Monkey Cushion (50x50cm), £80
If you feel like you've seen this cushion design somewhere before, it's because you have. Amara has joined forces with the verdantly vibrant South African brand Halsted Design (which I blogged about here) to excellent effect - they've chosen some of my favourite Halsted designs - such as this one - in gorgeous colourways. Some of the Halsted-inspired cushions even have a contrasting velvet back for that coveted flip-it-over-and-get-a-whole-new-cushion-for-free situation.
4) Plumosa Cowhide Rug, £700
I own a cowhide rug, but not long after acquiring it, I went off it - it's just too...cow-like. But this rug is a whole different field of grass. Spread it under your dining table, next to your bed, or even in the bathroom, and you'll practically be able to hear the birdsong and smell the flowers growing. Not a cowpat in sight.
5) Iris Diamond Valet Tray - Raspberry Golf, £130
I don't need this tray. It's one of those things I buy because I can't resist the colour (mmm raspberry) and cuteness and then the Pink House Husband starts whinging about clutter but I don't care - it's little pretty things like this tray that make life worth living. And it would keep the clutter all in one place to boot. I'll take two.
ODYSSEY
6) Octopus Snack Bowl, £150
When I saw this genius bowl at the press preview I squealed all over Amara founder Sam Hood about the fabulous octopussyness of it. Just IMAGINE offering olives to your guests in this! It's sea-nsational. Sorry.
7) Pontus Cushion (40x50cm), £90
I'm not really into the whole seaside look. And yes, this fish cushion is gently pressing the driftwood/whitewashed/sailor-stripes button, but for some reason it's nautical AND nice*. I could imagine a couple of these cushions nestled surreally on a bed in a room filled with dark, moody tones, a natural wood floor and some vintage rugs, at least 100 miles inland.
*I have used variations of this pun in every vaguely sea-related magazine feature I've ever written
ENCHANTED
8) Wingfield Vase - Luster Pearl, £30.00
Don't know about you, but for me, finding a vase that is a) attractive, and b) the right size and shape to allow flowers to do that pleasing splayed-out thing, instead of them all spiking skywards is harder than wiping your bum with a hook for a hand (I've watched the Lego Movie too many times). This vase is the answer.
9) Watermouth Duvet Cover, £75 to £95 & Watermouth Pillowcase Pair, £30
This duvet set reminds me of a mottled pink cover I had when I was 12 years old which I was OBSESSED with. And if you're obsessed with something when you're 12 years old you're obsessed with it forever. Except this time I'll be pairing the cover with Farrow & Ball Pink Ground walls, not Victoria Plum wallpaper. Although on second thoughts...
