THE OBJECT

Stripe tea set

Design duo and fanatical tea-drinkers Jackie Wilkinson and Victoria Whitbread (aka W2 Productions) upped the ante with their award-winning Pantone mugs and accessories. Now, as part of their summer 2009 range, they’ve created Stripe, a hot-drink set that includes a cafetiere, £39, teapot, £35, espresso set, £14, and individual milk jugs, mugs and sugar bowls. Made from high-quality, dishwasher-safe porcelain (even the cafetiere), this collection looks great just as it is, but is particularly striking together with the block colour Pantone products (www.w2products.com).

THE BARGAIN

Go for guild

The Designers Guild summer sale has discounts on practically everything in its portfolio. There are exclusive ceramics, fabulous pieces of modern and antique furniture and top quality bed linen, upholstery and towels to be had. These Ariana Moss embroidered satin cushions are down from £80 to £40. If the Kings Road shop is out of range, the website is running a simultaneous sale until July 12 (020-7893 7743; www.designersguild.co.uk).

TRADE SECRET

Runaway Coast

Office Farm, Letheringham, Woodbridge, Suffolk (0845 0543775; www.runawaycoast.com)

What’s new? Launched this month by Suffolk-based Ali Kerr, Runaway Coast is a delightful new mail-order company and e-boutique that’s awash with charming seaside-inspired goodies for the home.

What’s hot? The catalogue shows off a beautifully photographed melange of pastel-hued striped, gingham and denim fabrics, crisp white bed linen and a jaunty Ahoy! wallpaper design, but our favourite item is this giant cushion, which is a triumph of comfy alfresco design. Made from 100 per cent cotton with an Oxford border and removable cover, it costs £95 and comes in a choice of summery colours, from fuchsia pink to apple green.

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