Inspired by Spring/Summer 2012 collections!

Editor's Blog

With Christmas only weeks away, and the streets packed with shoppers, it may seem strange for me to tell you that I’ve been running around London assessing the fabulous new Spring/Summer 2012 collections! Influences include eastern patterns, vintage finishes and bold or pastel colours, with retro style still around in furniture and accessory collections.

Highlights for me include extra pieces added to the Conran Exclusive Design range at M&S – it must be selling well if they’re expanding the collection! The statement sofas and hand-drawn patterned print bedlinen, in an easy to live with colour palette of white, olive and petrol blue, stand out, and the price points are good with bedlinen starting at £17.99.

M&S Spring/Summer 2012

ABOVE (left-right): Harrison bed frame, £379; Spring Check duvet cover, from £39.50; Spring check pillow case, £15, all from the Conran Exclusive Design range at Marks & Spencer. Poppy love seat in Westin wool coral, £699; Spectrum abstract rug, from £75, both from Marks & Spencer

House of Fraser showed lots of black and white statement pieces –including a black gloss dining table and chairs, and very smart black and white hotel inspired bedlinen (Lawrence collection from Kenneth Cole. £85 for a double duvet). Look out for extensions to the Shabby Chic bedroom ranges that worked so well last season. Think faded floral patterns, ornate mirrors and metal and platinum accessories – great for a grown up bedroom scheme.

House of Fraser Spring/Summer 2012

ABOVE (left-right): Bingham two seater sofa, £979; Black ceramic French Bulldog, £30; Mini white ceramic French Bulldog, £12; Lawrence double duvet cover, £85; Lawrence pillowcases, £36 for two, all House of Fraser

I’m obsessed with missoni-style print right now, and at H&M they have amazing shower towels in neutral or multi-coloured designs – I’ll definitely be buying some as soon as they hit the shops!

H&M Spring/Summer 2012 ABOVE (left-right): Shower towel, £12.99; Guest towel, £6.99 for two, both H&M

There are more shows to come in the next few weeks so I’ll share more of my show highlights later!

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Blog info

Caron Bronson

With over 25 years experience working on market-leading weekly and monthly consumer magazines, in the worlds of homes, fashion, beauty, food and features, Caron was made editor of Real Homes in January 2008. 'Magazines are in my DNA, a real passion of mine - right from my early days a junior on OK! weekly magazine. I enjoy everything from planning through to page layout and production' she says.