Maiden (and my moroccan wedding quilt dreams)

I hope every single person reading this purchases the Independent London Store Guide by Moritz Steiger & Effie Fotaki. Joy first tuned us in to this great read, and Danielle received her copy over the weekend and seems to love it to, because she’s been blogging a few of her favorite stores from this amazing guide over on the Style Files. With over 165 shops featured, from furniture to art, food to fashion, this is the best London guide ever. My copy arrived this past Saturday and I finally had a moment to look it over last night. Brilliant!

One store I found through its pages is Maiden, a very laid-back approach to home decor with a focus on natural materials, French and Swedish country style, and items that display a sense of character – that worn charm that we all love. I adore the images on their website and that you can shop them online. As I looked over the site, it was no surprise to learn that owner, Anna Unwin, is both a stylist and a interior designer.

I really like Maiden’s decorative accessories, especially the handblown glass baubles. Even more than that, I love how these baubles are displayed, casually strung together over a wooden hanger on a doorknob. What a great idea. It would even be fun to do this with lightbulbs, especially those slim candle bulbs meant for chandeliers.

Isn’t this original Swedish dresser gorgeous? I love the color and the drawers – so much storage – this would work so well in a home office to tuck away files, art supplies, and such. What really has me drooling though is this handmade Moroccan wedding pillow. I don’t really want the pillow, but to see it reminded me of something I’ve lusted over for at least 10 years already (or more). I’ve always wanted a Moroccan wedding quilt, in this exact natural color palette. I absolutely love them and hope that someday, if I ever get over to Marrekesh to visit my friends Maryam and Julie, I will find one at a local bazaar or something… I actually dream about the day that I have a Moroccan wedding quilt on my bed. Maybe I’ll write to Anna and see if she can point me to a resource.

Do you have a similar fixation on something? Please tell me about it so I don’t feel alone in this. I know it’s a material object, but I really have to own one…

(images from maiden)

19 Responses to “Maiden (and my moroccan wedding quilt dreams)”

1 La Vie Arty commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 8:36 pm

I’ve always wanted a Moroccan wedding quilt too…they’re so perfect but I’ve never come across one and never been to Morocco either – maybe Maryam could make a fortune exporting them!
2 Anonymous commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 9:08 pm

Oh my god- me too! The most beautiful bedrooms always have them draped across the bed- I once found one in Oslo- way overpriced and seemed sad to have wanted one from Morocco for so long and then buy it in Norway! Tamara Mellon’s house is totally over done with them – I think it appeared in a recent Elle Decor!
3 Carlene commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 9:11 pm

I’ve loved the Moroccan wedding quilts since I began seeing them in magazines, but I don’t have the lust for one. Now, I did have it for the Eames lounge, for years, until I finally, finally got one. And then it was the Tivoli radio, for *years*, and I finally got one of those, too! I really can’t think of anything I’m obsessing about in that way right now. I guess that’s good, right?
4 Shoshana commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 9:19 pm

I have been obsessed–obsessed with finding a moroccan wedding quilt. I have so many variations of searches on ebay and google–bridal quilt, wedding blanket, etc.
5 tiny banquet committee commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 9:32 pm

I have a similar fixation on a George Sherlock sofa. I’d happily settle for one in their pink calico but if I’m having a I’ve-won-the-lottery daydream it is upholstered in Josef Frank fabric.
6 decor8 commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 11:07 pm

I know what you mean anon, buying a moroccan wedding quilt anywhere else in the world seems almost sinful. i’d much rather have one directly from the country, made by an artisian that made textile arts their life, you know?
7 decor8 commented:
March 14th, 2007 at 11:09 pm

carlene – we must find you a new lust!! we all need something to google our hearts out over… plus it’s fun. :) whether you get it or not, sometimes it’s the longing for that i love the most.
8 My Marrakech commented:
March 15th, 2007 at 2:17 am

Egad, I have seen one with quite as wide of a bushy stripe but otherwise I know where to get these babybees…..! But they’re big and will fill a suitcase! Holly, that can be your first purchase when you come to visit. Can’t wait:-)
9 Jaime commented:
March 15th, 2007 at 3:04 am

I have a similar lust for New England Bonsai Gardens in Bellingham, Mass. Aside from the huge selection of exotic bonsai tree’s, this place has a varitey of handmade chinese benches. I have one in red under my dining room windows and it looks like something that would come from Green Tea. N.E. Bonsai Gardens also has pottery, tea kettle’s, and other garden statues and decor.
10 decor8 commented:
March 15th, 2007 at 3:17 am

Jaime, I’ve never ever HEARD of the New England Bonsai Gardens. I am so happy you mentioned this, I know my husband would LOVE that place!

Maryam – I have an idea, and a reader already mentioned it as well, open a small store on your blog with treasures from Marrakesh. You don’t have to sell tons of things, just maybe 5 of your favorites and rotate things out every 6 months or so. I would shop your store!!!
11 My Marrakech commented:
March 15th, 2007 at 11:05 am

Holly, come see the silly podcast on my blog. It was totally impromptu but I would like to do more focused on particular design aspects. What do you think?
12 sam commented:
March 15th, 2007 at 4:23 pm

I’ve been lusting after lovely old library card catalogues for AGES, but lack the finances and space to purchase one. I love all those little drawers (so of course I also find that Swedish dresser very appealing!).
13 joy commented:
March 16th, 2007 at 3:18 pm

i got mine too and it looks great! -joy
14 decor8 commented:
March 16th, 2007 at 3:47 pm

Joy – You have a moroccan wedding quilt?? Tell me more…
15 decor8 commented:
March 17th, 2007 at 7:10 pm

Sam – I found something you’ll love:

http://tinyurl.com/3bup2h

xo
Holly
16 amanda bee commented:
March 20th, 2007 at 10:21 pm

I want a flat file like nobody’s business.
17 Anonymous commented:
April 24th, 2007 at 8:20 pm

I have been lusting over a Moroccan Wedding Quilt and a Morroccan Shag (Beni Ouarain rugs)forever! which is why (in part) we are off to Marrakesh in 2 weeks time!!! I have been searching around trying to find out where to buy really good quality rugs and quilts from…Maryam can you lead me in the right direction??
18 Yoli commented:
March 20th, 2008 at 8:12 pm

I have given in to the lust of a Moroccan wedding blanket and thanks to Maryam, I will soon be the proud owner of one of these beauties! I could not be happier.
19 The Good Life in Morocco commented:
March 22nd, 2008 at 1:38 pm

I too am in Marrakech and selling antique Beni Ouarain rugs and original wedding blankets and shawls, please have a look at my blog if you get time http://www.marrakechemma.blogspot.com

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