are made here in Lincolnshire, but if I'm sourcing ikat fabrics, for example, I have to look abroad. I do get the fabrics made up into products by seamstresses in the UK though and I'm going to Wales soon with a hope of finding a woollen mill to supply Welsh blankets in the Mel at Home palette for autumn.
Crisp, clean & fresh‌ with a bohemian twist
Q: What makes your products special? A: I seek out the latest trends that suit the brand. Ikat is completely on-trend right now and as a fabric that is entirely hand woven using vegetable dyed silk and cotton. It is also artisan. Nothing gives a piece of fabric more soul than hand-block printing or hand weaving. Perfection is not what I am striving for. I want everything to have a unique character.
Melanie Johnson, our home entertaining columnist, explains the ethos and inspiration behind her Mel At Home business, the ultimate in one-stop shops for food and interiors Q: What inspired you to set up your online business Mel at Home? A: When my daughter was born I realised there is so much more to making a house a home. Family life is all about delicious food, special occasions shared together, home crafts to make your home unique and, of course, the textiles and interior choices that are the backdrop. I wanted to bring all these elements together to create a one-stop shop for all things home. Q: What is the Mel at Home style? A: Our look is crisp, clean and fresh with a bohemian twist to keep it unique. I absolutely love cleverly coordinated colours and layered pattern, and I think we are all ready for some impact in our homes rather than the 'all neutrals' that have been so popular over the last decade. Time for some change!
Q: How is Cobham as a base for your business? A: I love living in Cobham because I can easily get to London for meetings, and airports are very convenient for when I have to travel to source new products. We also spend a lot of time in beautiful Ireland which is a perfect contrast. Cobham has become surprisingly busy now.
Q: Mel at Home sounds busy. What qualifies you to take on this challenge? A: My passion alone qualifies me! But, I have always loved design. I have a degree from the Courtauld Institute where I got a deep understanding of styles and I did a specialisation in historical textiles and dress. I
then did a Masters at Sotheby's which gave me a more commercial outlook. As for entertaining, I used to organise huge-scale charity events in London, and I was featured doing this on TV programmes on ITV and BBC2, so I know what a difference the details make. Q: What is a typical day for you as you balance home and work life?
A: By choice, I don't have a nanny so I work while my daughter is at nursery. My day starts at 6am when I go through emails before anyone else is awake and then it's the school run. I then work all day on everything from photography to graphic design work, before 'pick up' when I am usually under pressure to go to the playground or have a play date! It is difficult at times, especially over the holidays, but my daughter comes first. In the evenings I like to relax and have some grown up time away from work. Q: What's next for Mel at Home? A: I am looking at expanding the current range for autumn and adding Welsh blankets and some fashion. The online Mel at Home magazine should also be ready by then. I find everything about it hugely exciting.
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essence info Mel at home Telephone: 0845 116 4466 Email: melanie@melathome.com Website: www.melathome.com
Q: As a retailer, how are you supporting British production? A: Where ever I can, I like to use British suppliers and all our personalised table mats
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April 2012
April 2012
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Styling & photography by Melanie Johnson
H O M E E N T E RTA I N I N G