5th August 2025, by Astrid Carter | Read time: 4 minutes
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The Handbook’s Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, dedicates an impressive amount of time to scouring interiors brands and sites, both for her work and personal passion. Here, she shares her ultimate interiors wish list, featuring everything from the striped sofa she can’t stop thinking about to a charming lighting piece she’s already bought but wants to add another to her collection. As well as captivating pieces from British artists, high street steals that will upgrade your next dinner party, and charming linens that make great gifts for foodie friends.
Honestly, a week doesn’t go by when I don’t look at one of Buchanan Studio’s signature striped chairs. Granted, it’s eye-wateringly expensive to accommodate just one bottom, but look at her! The most perfect chair for the perfect quiet spot in a room.
I actually already own this charming lampshade, inspired by the eclectic interiors of the famed Bloomsbury set members Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, as well as the iconic Charleston House in Lewes. It’s now a museum and well worth a visit for some inspiration. As for the lamp, I’m planning on buying a second and putting one on either side of a console table.
I discovered this wonderful British artist while visiting a dear friend. The piece she has in her guest bedroom, though small, is utterly captivating and left a lasting impression on me. The dream? To one day commission a large-scale work for a hallway.
These delightfully stubby glasses, a thoughtful gift from a dear friend, are now bookmarked to expand my collection. I love a tablescape that feels a bit like a French bistro: think red wine stains, beautifully crumpled linens, and the joyful chaos of unfinished glasses at varying heights.
I love a tablescape that feels a bit like a French bistro: think red wine stains, beautifully crumpled linens, and the joyful chaos of unfinished glasses
Dinette is the linen brand from Cornwall-based lifestyle store Love & Honor. They make the most charming tea towels illustrated with everything from champagne and oysters to cake and coffee – perfect gifts for foodie friends (and yourself).
I’m drawn to bathrooms that feel older and full of character, than modern and pared back.
I’m definitely drawn to bathrooms that feel older and full of character, than modern and pared back. I love these Victorian-style chequered tiles to get that look.
You can almost hear the thundering hooves of the majestic horses in this beautiful photograph by Astrid Harrisson. I’ve been a fan of her captivating equestrian imagery for a long time.
I’m a big fan of Ottoline’s charming prints and colourways. This cushion is so versatile; it would look just as lovely on a green sofa as it would on the bed in a little one’s room.
Birthday present idea for me (hint, hint, just putting it out there!): this coffee table book. It’s a kaleidoscope of colour, eclectic prints, and global inspiration, curated by British art and design icon Luke Edward Hall.
A kaleidoscope of colour, eclectic prints, and global inspiration.
I’m a huge fan of Matilda Goad’s clever, often inexpensive, ways to transform furniture you might not adore but aren’t ready to replace. Case in point: these chic doorknobs. With their cool ’70s vibe and array of brilliant colours, they’re an instant upgrade.
I’m a total sucker for a tapered dinner candle, and Bettina Ceramica’s wall sconce is just another way to fuel that obsession, moving them from table to wall.
These H&M stainless steel coupes are a brilliant, budget-friendly find. I love how they frost over with ice cream, creating that perfect holiday feeling, like you’re escaping to Italy.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however,
The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate
links.
Any T&Cs: Over 18 only, UK entrants only. If a product in the desired color is out of stock, Kapten & Son reserves the right to ship the product in an alternative color.
Terms and Conditions for the Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf £250 Terrace Bar Tab & Shuffleboard Competition
1. Eligibility: This competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over only. Proof of age may be required.
2. Prize: The prize consists of: A £250 bar tab to be used at Electric Shuffle Canary Wharf 90 minutes of shuffleboard for a group of up to six (6) people at Electric Shuffle.
3. Redemption: The prize must be redeemed within six (6) months of the winner being notified.
-The prize can only be used at the Canary Wharf venue.
-The £250 bar tab must be used in one single visit. No change will be given for any unused portion of the bar tab.
-The shuffleboard booking for six people is for a duration of 90 minutes.
-Redemption of the prize is subject to availability.
-Advance booking is essential and should be made directly with Electric Shuffle, quoting the prize.
-Certain dates or times may be excluded due to high demand or private events.
4. Exclusions: The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount, promotion, or voucher.
5. General: The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, and there is no cash alternative. The promoter reserves the right to substitute the prize with an alternative of equal or greater value if circumstances beyond their control make it
necessary to do so. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The competition is run by The Italian Greyhound in partnership with The Handbook. Entrants must be aged 18 or over and resident in the UK.
One (1) winner will receive a £300 dining voucher to be redeemed at The Italian Greyhound, valid for a table of up to four (4) guests.
The voucher is valid for redemption from 16th June 2026 until 15th September 2026 (inclusive). Bookings must be made in advance and are subject to availability. The voucher cannot be used outside of this redemption period and will expire on 15th September 2026.
The prize includes food and drink from the Summer À La Carte menu, including wines and cocktails, up to the value of £300 (inclusive of service charge).
The voucher is single use only. Any unused balance is non-refundable, nontransferable, and cannot be redeemed against future visits. The voucher has no cash value and cannot be exchanged for cash, in whole or in part.
The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion, set menu or discount.
The following are excluded from the prize: the Sunday Feast Menu, bookings for more than four (4) guests, private dining bookings and bookings for events (including but not limited to bank holidays and festive periods).
The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no cash alternative.
Bookings must be made directly with The Italian Greyhound, quoting the competition reference at the time of reservation.
The Italian Greyhound reserves the right to refuse redemption of the voucher if these terms are not met. In the event of circumstances outside its reasonable control, The Italian Greyhound reserves the right to substitute the prize for one of equal value.
By entering, the winner agrees to their data being used for promotional purposes by The Italian Greyhound and The Handbook.
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
This prize voucher is valid until 31st December 2026, non-transferable and non-refundable. Reservations for Afternoon Tea must be made 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
This prize voucher has no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for any other hotel offer or product. The original prize voucher must be presented at Kona on arrival. Photocopies will not be accepted.
For reservation, please email [email protected] or call +44 20 7769 7766.
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