For what feels like months now I have been trying to put together a new brochure for the Pearmain Cottage range. But it has been so difficult and I don't quite know why as I have some lovely photos ............
This is why I think it has taken me so long
1. I am very fickle and keep changing my mind
2. I have too many good houses to include, so am squashing too much in
3. Minnie and Gabriel keep either drawing on, or eating, the proof pages
To get some inspiration I have been looking through my collection of brochures (I have a HUGE stash, brochures are an obsession/affliction of mine). My favourites are Plain English (beautiful if slightly aloof ) Toast (I am at the door every morning at the moment waiting for my Autumn house and home collection!) and Daylesford (lovely brochures to match their shops). Baileys also had a great fun catalogue but it hasn't been updated for ages.
Anyway here are some of the ideas that have come and gone. I promise to let you know when I actually commit to print............if I ever get there!
I can't think of original ways to be fun, informal but informative and factual - the oak leaf will only work if I find nice leaf to scan. Any other ideas?
This kitchen is a possibility for a front cover - hope it's not too lifestyley?
I think I have discounted the milk bottle shot - I still like the green though
I LOVE the calligraphy I have commissioned so will certainly use it one way or another - I think it really illustrates the hand crafted nature of what we do
I have a bit of thing for orchards - hence the name Pearmain Cottage (an old apple variety) and so it would be nice to incorporate apples or blossom, as long as its not too random. What do you think?And if anyone knows of any other lovely, gorgeous, inspirational shops, websites or brochures that may alleviate my design block I will be forever grateful!
Hi Merry, http://www.igigigeneralstore.com is a lovely website although you can't buy much but I thought you may find the website inspirational for your Permain brochure? Ellen x
ReplyDeleteAlso, thought you may like these too...
ReplyDeletehttp://co3dk.ipapercms.dk/HouseDoctor/EVERYDAY2009/
www.o-check.net the website is a little strange but I have bought their products from shops before and they are lovely.
www.thehambledon.com this shop sometimes has some nice things too. x
Oh thankyou Ellen! I will check all of that out. My father in law lives about a minute from igigi so we go there quite a bit - the tea room is esp. lovely. All the bleached wood and earthy textures is right up my street! Nice clothes in the sister shop too. Thankyou again, I will have fun tomorrow looking through your recommendations. best wishes
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Yes it is a lovely shop, just needs to be bigger! Another website I love looking at is www.babingtonhouse.co.uk it is a country house hotel but I just think the decor is lovely x
ReplyDeleteHave you looked at RK Alliston? Shop in Bath is just lovely. Jane
ReplyDeleteLike the oak leaf, but might it look better on Autumn leaf with all the rich colours they come in? Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteHi Merry, Do you mind me asking where you got your pale blue wallpaper from that is in your daughters room? I am looking for some wallpaper in either a pale blue or grey that is a bit unusual and can't seem to find anything I really like x
ReplyDeleteHi - thanks for all your help Jane and Ellen
ReplyDeleteMinnie's wallpaper is from Sanderson - I think it was called apple blossom. The lIttle Green Paint company do a nice grey floral and clarrissa hulse papers are lovely too. My all time favourite is in Gabriel's room - Cow Parsley by Cole and Son (we saw it first at babington house years ago- when we could afford to go away!) but I don't think they do a grey. Another alternative is the new Vanessa Arbuthnott collection, I think one of those is pretty, but can't recall the name. And yes I also stalk the BH website, the cowshed spas are also great for inspiration! Thanks for all your tips guys, I really really appreciate it! The RK Alliston brochures (some that are about 10 years old) are also in my stash of fab catalogues - great minds must think alike!
x
How funny ! just to freak you out a bit more - my middle name is ellen!
ReplyDeleteThat is freaky! I notice that you have Baileys Home and Garden store on the things you like too, we were there only this Bank holiday Monday, I love that place and could spend all day there, I take a trip up there every now and then, just wish it was a little closer!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely blog, I have loved visiting all the houses you show.
ReplyDeletehappy monday to you : )
I love the idea of the leaf, perfect for Border Oak, I imagine a Border Oak brochure to have the gorgeous thick recycled paper, I really like what you have shown above. I think any brochure that makes you want to live in it (if that makes sense!!) especially if you are advertising the gorgeous Pearmain House!! Can't wait to see th e finished result!! Claire xx
ReplyDeleteHi just thought i would let you know that i love looking at all your nice pics. i hpoe to get in touch with border oak on day to build my dream house wel they are not houses they are homes as they are very warm and welcoming.
ReplyDelete1 more thing merry could you please let me know where you got your kitchen tiles from the ones behind your range
thanks Dan
Hi Dan - I haven't got tiles in this house (our second) but the splash back I had in the last house was supplied by deVol Kitchens (devolkitchens.co.uk) so it maybe that you are thinking of? It was printed glass and I am sure they could still make them. Thankyou for your kind comments.
ReplyDeletethanks Mery will look in to it.
ReplyDeleteHi Merry, i have followed your fabulous house(s) since the early Grand Design days. So special.I am hoping to build my own dream house one day soon, thanks to you.I wonder if you could tell me who made the door knocker that is on Pearmain Cottage.
ReplyDeleteLorraine
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