Launched late last year, Magpie Miller is a boutique specialising in quirky, on-trend products from small-scale independent designers mostly from America.
Magpie, aka Elissa Miller, grew up in the UK and America, and says that because she moved around a lot in her formative years, the importance of making a house a home was impressed upon her at an early age. She worked in creative industries for almost a decade and comes from a long line of fashion and interior specialists, so setting up shop was a natural next step.
And with her expert eye, she's curated a collection that is a delight to behold. A welcome antidote to mass-market blandness, this is a range to tempt you at every click of your mouse.
I love the cameo magnets with vintage-inspired silhouetted characters - a super stylish way to attach memos and shopping lists to your fridge, or just use as decorative items on the corner of radiators. The range of screen-prints is also very cool, particularly the simple yet dramatic Moon design. It looks as if it came straight out of a dusty science laboratory and would look beautiful on a dark grey wall.
The pun-tastic appliquéd Oh Deer cushions are a winner in my book, too, as are the exclusive London bus blind tea towels produced especially for Magpie Miller. Letterpress addicts will love the retro Numbers coasters. Handprinted in Atlanta, they feature elegant typographical digits and would look at home on any stylist's coffee table.
As well as sourcing quirky home buys, Elissa scours the States for vintage treasures. Her "rescued and re-loved" section features Amish barn stars, antique milk bottles, Wyoming licence plates and vintage glass jars. One of those slipped into my shopping basket, actually. Resistance is futile.
For shipping rates to the UAE, visit www.magpiemiller.co.uk
