Archive for March, 2010

Sneak Preview of New Normann Washing Up Bowl

Saturday, March 13th, 2010
New Normann Washing Up Bowl and Dustpan

New Normann Washing Up Bowl and Dustpan

 Normann Copenhagen have just  made some colourful additions to their famous washing up bowl and dustpan and brush ranges, both designed by Ole Jensen.   Now available in a rich purple and bright pink, the dustpan and brush set has been refreshed with an injection of colour making everyday cleaning chores just that little bit more enjoyable! Simplicity itself, this stylish set consists of a dustpan made from a single piece of plastic and a natural bristle brush.  It can be conveniently hung up, using a leather thong  attached to the brush,  to keep it neat and tidy when not in use. 

Continuing on the colourful theme, the award winning Normann washing up bowl has just been released in a gorgeous purple.   Made from flexible rubber, it will safely cushion delicate porcelain and glasses when washing up - it also has many other uses from champagne bucket to toy storage to foot spa!   Shown above during the recent Maison and Object Show in Paris, both the dustpan and brush and washing up bowl will certainly make an impact; and their rich jewel colours are right on trend to update your kitchen for Spring 2010.

New! Alessi Chip Paper Clip Holder

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Alessi Chip Magnetic Paperclip Holder

Alessi Chip Magnetic Paperclip Holder

Just arrived from Alessi, this cute little bird – Chip - is specially designed to stand on your desk and hold paper clips.  Created by Rodrigo Torres, it is made from chrome plated metal and has a series of magnets on the inside so that it will hold the paperclips (or anything else metal) giving Chip the appearance of having feathers.  Chip is nicely weighted so so will not topple over and can also be used as a paper weight. If you are looking for a quirky gift for the person who seems to have everything, but loves Alessi, then this may be just the thing.

Lovely Easter Gift Ideas

Monday, March 8th, 2010
Our Top 5 Easter gift ideas would all make excellent presents

Our Top 5 Easter gift ideas would all make excellent presents

Our selection of Easter gifts should provide the necessary inspiration to ensure you get it right this year and with Easter Sunday less than four weeks away, it’s about time to start considering how to surprise your friends and family.

We know that chocolate is usually very appreciated (if our own tastes are anything to go by!) but for a more practical and stylish solution this Easter, try any of our Top 5 Easter Gift Ideas:

1 Keith Brymer Jones Egg Cups
If one product is tailor-made for Easter then this great 4-piece set of Keith Brymer Jones Egg Cups must be perfect.  The wording “what came first the chicken or the egg” is imprinted across the high quality white porcelain set in various colours.

2 Joseph Joseph Chopping Board – Egg Cup
The extremely colourful design on this chopping board makes this a bright, fun kitchen accessory that they will love.  Can also be used as a handy heat resistant trivet.  Loads of other Joseph Joseph Chopping Board designs available.

3 Eva Solo Tea Maker – Brown
Easter is about having a little time off and relaxing so what better present than an iconic Eva Solo Tea Maker complete with dark brown neoprene jacket.  This particular model is also available in both red and black.  Free postage is on offer with this product.

4 Crazy Daisy Breakfast Set
The Crazy Daisy by Portmeirion range of homeware is so popular that we had to include it within this gift section – especially when they have produced such a befitting Easter gift idea as the breakfast set including an egg cup, spoon and toast rack in the distinctive multi-coloured Crazy Daisy pattern.

5 Eva Solo Bird Table
So this product may actually benefit your feathered friends more than the recipient but you can be sure it will generate a great deal of happiness when adorning your garden.  Cutting edge design and a brand that represents everything contemporary provide a winning combination for this Eva Solo Bird Table.

For more Easter gift ideas, simple visit the great Beth Stevens online store and browse our dedicated Easter gift section. 

Retro Styling is the Way Forward in 2010

Thursday, March 4th, 2010
Retro home styling is expected to be huge this year

Retro home styling is expected to be huge this year

It seems as though retro styling and home accessories will be very popular this year, giving you the chance to go back and recreate some iconic looks from years gone by with a mixture of modern inspiration thrown in for good measure.

The Scotsman, Scotland’s national newspaper, recently revealed that this year will see a trend towards buying quality, affordable interior pieces for the home that will stand the test of time and last for a considerable period.  They are backing classic retro pieces from the 60s and 70s to be big in 2010 as they can be easily matched with contemporary furniture to create a minimal and up-to-date style.

Home accessories such as the Trim Phone by Wild & Wolf – recently featured in The Sunday Express, the Newgate Large Black Electric Wall Clock and even the Type 1227 Anglepoise Lamp that has recently been given a subtle overhauling to modernise the design will be in high demand over the coming months.  For more ideas on retro home products simply browse the Beth Stevens online store.

Sometimes you have to look backwards to go forwards and this current trend definitely proves that retro really is the look to go after this year!

Beth Stevens in the Press

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Beth Stevens continues to enjoy substantial press coverage

Beth Stevens continues to enjoy substantial press coverage

Press coverage it so important and it is always pleasing when of our home and garden products are featured in the regional and national press.  This publicity is great for business as it draws attention to some of the must-have items on the market.

We feel it was about time we added a section to our site that gives you a flavour of which products have recently been covered and where they were seen.   From dedicated monthly magazines focussing on adding style and chic to your home to daily broadsheets that include seasonal articles such as gift guides, products from the extensive Beth Stevens online store have enjoyed regular coverage.

LSA glassware is huge at the moment and two of their most popular pieces – the Vivi tumbler and the Fiord Vase appeared in the BBC Good Homes and Your Home magazines respectively.  In addition last month, Ideal Home chose to show the modern Normann Swing Vases, while the classic Newgate Lille Wall Clock could be seen in Real Homes.  Other products featured in February included the quirky Milkii Jug by Kathleen Hills and the Dreyfuss 500 Telephone.

We would love to hear from you in the event of spotting a product in the press that you may have just bought from us – please send an email to info@bethstevens.co.uk and simply tell us where you saw it!

See a selection of our most recent press coverage on the new ‘As Seen In’ press coverage page at Beth Stevens.

Beautiful New LSA Glass Vases

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Introducing some ultra stylish LSA glass vases

Introducing some ultra stylish LSA glass vases

When it comes to vases, the experts at LSA really set the standard for quality, design and contemporary style.  With so many different ranges and products available, you have always been spoilt for choice when considering which particular glass vase to purchase.

A series of exceptional LSA glass vases have been added to the impressive selection already on offer at our great Beth Stevens online store.  The Odette glass vases have a classic shape that widens at the top allowing bouquets to spread out and create an eye-catching arrangement.  Choose from a stunning clear glass vase or the turquoise glass vase, which is right on trend for spring/summer as the must-have colour for 2010.

If you are keen to make a real statement in your living room, the tall glass vases from the LSA Fiord range will certainly do the trick.  Folded glass sections around the top of the vase enable stems to be positioned exactly you desire and we absolutely adore the attractive design of these elegant vases.  Available as a 35cm-high black glass vase and as a clear glass vase, there is also a tall glass vase in black measuring 60cm that is perfect as a centrepiece to grab your attention.

Lastly, we are thrilled to introduce some additional LSA Orietta glass vases to complement the existing lilac ones.  Similar in style to the Fiord vases, the Orietta glass vases have an undulating rim which making arranging flower stems a breeze.  A sweeping, textured surface adds to the appeal of this luxurious vase and there are two options on offer – a 25cm clear glass vase and a larger 35cm vase.  This design is my personal favourite and I really should get round to getting one for my living room!

Such is the beauty of all these LSA glass vases that they can easily be displayed on their own as decorative accessories in any room.  It goes without saying that they also make excellent gift ideas.  See our full range of LSA glass vases at Beth Stevens.

Flexible Rubber Vases the Ultimate in Style

Monday, March 1st, 2010
Funky new rubber vases from Menu are bright and fun

Funky new rubber vases from Menu are bright and fun

A rubber vase from Menu provides all the style and design you would expect from the Danish-based experts in creating cutting-edge, modern products for the contemporary home.  Hot on the heels of the hugely popular rubber washing up bowls from Normann, it seems as though rubber-based home accessories are definitely the way forward in urban chic!

Never worry again about dropping or breaking one of your favourite vases again as this lovely range of rubber vases is almost indestructible!  Each classic shaped vase can be folded inwards at the neck to make a spherical vase that instantly gives a whole new look.  Five striking colours of vase are available – we recommend combining more than one to create a feature group of vases. 

To achieve a funky, fun and colourful look this year, these Menu rubber vases are perfect.  They are not too large or overpowering, meaning the can be added almost anywhere such as the bedroom, dining room or kitchen – maybe even to brighten up a study or office space.

Amaze your friends and family with these unique, individual vases as they will attract a lot of interest and prompt feedback such as: “Where did you get that?”, “What a great idea” and “I must have one of those for my home!”

We are sure you will love these rubber vases and invite you to browse the complete vase collection at Beth Stevens.