BIRDIE FORTESCUE THE AAKAAR COLLECTION
THE AAKAAR STORY
Originally inspired by designs found in Indian antique textiles, the Aakaar collection is the embodiment of summer. The colours are bold and vibrant and patterns strong and geometric. The palette of hot pink, soft yellow, aqua blue and apple green can be styled separately or mixed together in a joyous array of colour. The cushions fall into four categories; Stripe, Rhombus, Khand and Plain. Our Stripe and Rhombus cushions are hand block-printed on linen/cotton with kantha stitched detail whilst the Khand cushions are constructed from three panels of fabric in a variety of colour ways to suit any scheme. Co-ordinating plain cushions are the perfect slot in solution for any sofa, chair or bed needing a pop of colour. The Aakaar table linens are perfect for al fresco summer lunches and casual dinners. The colours make a bold statement and look amazing when styled with abundant flowers, tropical greener y or decorative accessories.
THE PERFECT SUMMER TABLE For this collection the perfect summer table is bold, fun and full of colour. We love pairing Aakaar linens with crisp white crocker y and our wooden handled cutler y. A mixture of our Pulegoso glass tumblers and simple wine glasses completes the basic setting. For a rich, tropical look we have used a mixture of real succulents and our own faux plants in a range of votives and vases. Faux plants are ver y useful and mix in easily with real flowers and foliage to create an abundant effect with half the effort! Our new ceramic pineapples, which also double up as candleholders, work brilliantly in this scheme and we have mixed them with real pineapples for a playful touch.
DREAMS OF GREENS High summer is the ideal time to go big on greens. The fresh, apple green in our Aakaar palette works perfectly with a huge range of other verdant tones. On this table we used a large bowl of ceramic figs and fresh apples as a starting point and then built up the layers of colour with our faux succulents, Pulegoso glassware and decorative plaster vegetables. The overall look is bright and joyful but at the same time has a gentle and considered feel.
ON SOFAS
Mix an odd number of cushions in different shapes and colours on a sofa or garden bench for a playful and casual look. Keeping the design asymmetric will prevent a scheme from looking stiff and contrived and allows for easy re-styling. Our Aakaar cushions have plain dyed backs and concealed zips so can be used on the reverse side for a different effect.
IN TONES OF BLUE
The Aakaar blue is a fresh, breezy tone with a hint of green that mixes in easily with its yellow, pink and green counterparts. It is perfect for creating either a bright, beachy table or a fun tropical one with lots of abundant greener y and foliage. Tr y mixing patterns and faux and real plants for this look and combine with scattered summer fruit.
ON PINK We love how versatile this colour is and our Aakaar pink is the perfect tone for a one-colour look. On a sofa mix Rhombus, Stripe and Plain cushions in different shapes with our pink cotton throws for a fun contemporar y feel. Tones of apricot and blush also work well with this colour. Tr y introducing them to a coffee table by using a combination of our Ribbed, Frosted and Pierced votives.
ST YLE NOTES To re-create our pink dining table start with a Stripe tablecloth and Stripe placemats. Add Rhombus napkins, simple white crockery and cutlery and a mixture of glassware. Style the centre of the table with vintage terracotta pots filled with summer plants. A mixture of greenery from your garden is very effective but keep any flowers to soft whites and delicate pinks. If you are eating outside add cotton throws to the backs of your chairs as a thoughtful touch if the temperature drops.
ON RUNNERS Our table runners are all hand block printed which gives the solid colour a subtle texture and depth that would be difficult to achieve with dye. For a fun, pared back look tr y one of our runners along a table with Rhombus, Stripe or Beaded placemats and contrasting napkins. This is a really easy way to achieve an effective two tone look; we like to pair blue with pink and yellow with green. For maximum impact keep decorative accessories to your two chosen colours and opt for simple flowers or greener y in co-ordinating votives and vases.
WITH THANKS LOCATION
Polly Hanson-Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY
Beth Philpott
CONTACT Birdie Fortescue, Clipbush Business Park, Hawthorn Way, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 8SX birdiefortescue.co.uk