The object: Hanahana coat hanger

Swedish furniture giant Swedese has hooked up with a host of illustrious designers to produce an exciting new collection, now available for the first time in the UK. This quirky Hanahana coat hanger by Setsu & Shinobu Ito is available either freestanding (£552) or for wall assembly (£183), in ash with white or black lazur finish, from InForm Furniture (020-7228 3335; informfurniture.co.uk).

The bargain: Eco shoppers

These squashable, light, easy-to-stack kikapu (pronounced key-car-poo) bags are an inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative to plastic carriers – and they look good, too. Produced in rural East Africa from naturally growing, hand-harvested plants, they are sustainable and purchased for a fair price, of which 2.6 per cent goes to charity. £18 for three baskets, including postage, from the Travelling Souk (thetravellingsouk.com).

Outside Edge

Watering can, £34.95, Celia Birtwell at John Lewis (0845 6049049; johnlewis.com).

Trade secret: Charlotte Crosland

charlottecroslandonline.com

Who is she? An interior designer fêted for her ability to mix traditional and contemporary interiors, Crosland’s elegant, timeless style maximises light and space but still manages to be cosy.

Aren’t designers madly expensive? Not necessarily. Crosland has just launched an online business offering her design services on a room-by-room basis.

How does it work? Fill out a detailed questionnaire and you will receive a bespoke scheme board including recommendations for paint, wallpaper, fabric, flooring, furniture and lighting. A floor plan and suggestions of where to source all items are also included.

What’s the damage? £750 per room.

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