Having spent significantly more time at home, we won’t be surprised if you have invested in a couple of new throw cushions or indulged in decadent candles.
Little touches can instantly elevate your space, and H&M Home has been releasing a series of winning home pieces that are easy on the budget and are good on the eye.
The latest collaboration with the British Museum is a dream for any fashion lover, especially if you have a soft spot for botanical prints. Featuring the works of Mary Delany, an 18th-century English artist known for her botanical depictions, the collection includes a range of decorative items printed with her flowers.
In the seven-piece collection, there is a large vase with a round foot and slightly tapered, a mug shaped like an oversized teacup with a gold-toned handle, a candle with a wraparound print and two different sizes of both cushion covers and ceramic plates.
We have asked Guillaume Vaillant, concept designer at H&M Home, to talk us through the collection and share a few quick interior hacks that we can apply during our next mini revamp.
What drew you to Mary Delany’s paper mosaics?
In the start of our design process for this season, many British references from the 18th century inspired us. We came across Mary Delany’s extraordinary work and were moved by her approach to flowers. Their black background reveals the delicate intensity of the flowers and the handicraft is incredible. We were amazed to see how her flower mosaics, made in the 1700s, could still feel so modern and strong.
How do you interpret something from 18th Century to bring it to a modern home?
The magic of this collaboration is really to see how beauty travels through time. Our vision was to create objects that would both showcase and highlight that beauty without altering it, therefore we paid strong attention to details and proportions for this collection.
What has been the most challenging aspect of bringing this collection to live?
The British Museum department of prints and drawings has such a wonderful catalogue of artworks that we had an immense pleasure to work with it. We really wanted to highlight the artist’s vision and create a dialogue between the final object and her original artwork. It was at the centre of our design process to showcase Mary Delany’s vision with respect and care.
Consisting of seven key pieces, is it fair to say that they’ve been created to fit into any space?
Absolutely. At H&M home we want to make it possible for everyone to create a modern and inspiring home. This collection really represents this idea. From a scented candle that you could put on your shelf to a vase for bigger floral display, we wanted to make this collection accessible for different spaces and budgets.
Do you have a personal favourite?
The scented candle might be my favourite item of this collection. It captures Mary Delany’s work perfectly and gives it an extra dimension both from the scent we used but also how the warm light shines through the black glass.
What are your styling tips using The British Museum and H&M HOME collection?
It a collection built on the harmonious work of an incredible artist. All the pieces work together and are easy to combine. So, whether you want to add a romantic touch to your sofa with some cushion covers, or bring romantic florals to your kitchen ceramics, everyone can really style it with their own personal touch.
How do you feel our attitude to interior styling has changed since spending more time at home?
The pasts months have been deeply interesting and challenging for many of us. We all somehow reconnected to our homes that became multipurpose spaces. They became our offices, our gyms, our socialising space and so many other functions. In a way, we all realised how important it is to make our home the mirror of who we are and adapt it to our new routines. Connected to a general need of well-being I think we have started to invest more time and resources in making our homes more functional and soothing.
Can you share with us some simple interior hacks that will instantly transform our home?
I recently repainted my living room, and even if you don’t have to redo your entire interior, it’s always amazing to see how colour affects your perception of a space. I tend to like neutral shades that have a very calming power and add a touch of fun to it. It’s important to have a few objects that really represent you and your personality. The easiest way in my opinion to transform your home is to trust nature. Natural materials and colours combined with plants will always work in harmony.
