She's been hailed as the next Cath Kidston, but the British designer Lisa Stickley remains refreshingly down to earth. She lives above her small shop in Clapham, south London, and although her designs are stocked in department store giants such as Debenhams (her bedding range is available in the Dubai Mall branch), she still prefers to spend her time trawling flea markets, charity shops and antiques fairs for inspiration rather than having business meetings in the boardroom.
Stickley studied at the Royal College of Art before launching a debut collection of tablecloths in 2003. Her style is quirky, eclectic and witty - quintessentially English without being sugary sweet or predictable. Highlights include her cushion covers, tableware, bathroom accessories and kitchen textiles, all inspired by vintage finds and given a modern twist with bright colours, childlike illustrations and handwritten phrases in Stickley's inimitable style.
I love her new spring tableware range. With names such as Modestly Marvellous mug, Substantially Generous jug and Positively Practical tumbler, who could resist? Delicate floral patterns are combined with her signature black and white polka dots to create beautiful but everyday, affordable ceramics.
Stickley's stunning bed linen collection is another recent addition well worth checking out. Her elegant Hankie Flower patterns creep across duvet covers and pillow cases in hot fuchsia and cool duck-egg blue, while scribbled Fig Daisy designs bring 1950s-inspired charm to the range. She's also brought out a selection of monochrome bathroom accessories and new Pinnies for baking - lots of temptation.
They're not strictly speaking home-related, but it would be rude not to mention Stickley's lovely handbags, affectionately named after people (Doris, Mrs Betty) and beautifully lined. I have two already and am planning to purchase a third. It's hard to choose: the Linda magazine bag is delightful, but the new Hector laptop case is pretty neat, too.
www.lisastickleylondon.com, 00 44 (0) 20 7737 8067. Shipping to the UAE costs from Dh119
