A boutique bed & breakfast in Montpellier

by Anna McKittrick

Much as I love city breaks they can often leave you feeling like you're in need of another holiday. Montpellier, in the south of France, strikes the perfect balance, combining the cosmopolitan culture of city life yet it's only six miles from the Mediterranean Sea. And don't get me started on the amazing vineyards that are within touching distance of Montpellier...

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Fate London at Dalston Department Store

Everyday objects beautifully styled by Fate London who are popping up at Dalston Department Store this weekend.

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Currently obsessed with... Monochrome - Pin It Forward

You may have already encountered some of the buzz around Pinterest's current Pin It Forward UK campaign which kicked off last week. Today it's my turn to get involved.

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Articles of daily use - #3 Cuppa by Faye Toogood

For us Brits a cup of tea is an emblem of comfort and camaraderie. Faye Toogood's Cuppa takes this familiar and much loved item and pares it down to its core elements.

They are made in small production runs of 150 as part of her Batch programme, which also includes chairs stools and tables. The unique number of each piece is emblazoned on the side like a traditional ceramic maker's mark that has migrated from the base into full view.

www.fayetoogood.com

Made in Birmingham: Industrial style metal shelving by Bowles & Bowles

London may be the design capital of the UK, but when it comes to manufacturing... well despite the economic downturn, quite a lot of it still goes on in the Midlands. Since that's where I live I'm always happy to have the opportunity to share stuff that's designed and made in the region here on Design Hunter.

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Jo Malone's flagship space designed by Rose Uniacke

When Jo Malone London recently relocated to a listed Georgian townhouse in the creative heart of the West End they wanted their new flagship space to epitomise the brand's sense of elegance and welcome.

Their global headquarters and event space, located in a grand late 18th century mansion flooded with light and character, houses a sequence of beautiful spaces that includes offices, boardrooms, design studios and a large salon. In choosing a designer for the salon Creative Director James Gager was looking for someone whose style would reflect the elegance of the house and his pared down vision for it. When he came across Rose Uniacke he was instantly drawn to her work.

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Design Hunter loves...

...these porcelain alphabet cups by Design Letters, featuring typography by Arne Jacobsen originally created for the signage at Aarhus City Hall in 1937.

There's no need to stop at using them for tea or coffee (or pencils, or toothbrushes), you can also get little black wooden lids to fit on top and transform them into storage jars... or use them to spell out a favourite word or name on your kitchen shelf.

available from Bodie and Fou

Trendwatch: Moroccan Beni Ouarain rugs

I've seen these rugs popping up everywhere lately. I often notice them in American interiors magazines and blogs and their popularity seems to be spreading.

Known as Beni Ouarain rugs they originate from the Atlas mountains in Morocco and take their name from the tribe who handmade them using wool from their own sheep.

They typically feature a black geometric diamond pattern on a cream background so they are probably not the most practical option for a home like ours with lots of muddy whippet paws. They are also expensive, but that doesn't stop me coveting one either.

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