Samantha's April Love List

I wanted to share with you an update on what I am loving at the moment and most looking forward to in spring and early summer. I can’t wait for when when lockdown has eased and the weather is brighter and (warmer!).

The Exhibitions

I cannot wait for things to open back up and for a sense of 'normality' to return, I studied Fine Art and my daughter is doing Art A-Level so we visit a lot of exhibitions. Our first trip out and about together in London will definitely be the the David Hockney Exhibition at The Royal Academy. If you can't wait any longer, the Lynette Yiadom-Boakye virtual exhibition at The Tate is amazing - I love supporting British female artists and all of her portraits are truly brilliant.

The Books

Once Upon A River, Diane Setterfield is a brilliant and lovely historical murder mystery. Based around the Thames Valley, the landscape reminded me of my childhood in Oxfordshire. Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett is an intriguing and shocking insight into the insidious and deeply damaging effect of racism on two sisters in 1950's America. Educated, Tara Westover is one of the best books of all time, it's hard to explain such an extraordinary journey in a few words, but once you start you won't be able to put it down!

The Scent

My mother wore First by Van Clef and Arpels when we were young, now she has three daughters and we all use it too. It amazes me how a scent can take you take you to an exact moment in time and hold so many memories. I hope my children will have as many fond memories as I do when they think of this scent.

The Website

Weekends often used to involve browsing around local art and antique shops. Vinterior.co has really filled that void! Whilst shopping for antiques and art online might seem challenging I have managed to get get a couple of things that I really love in lockdown, including a painting from Vinterior from my husband for Christmas.

The Post Lockdown Project

We renovated our cottage in Oxfordshire nearly 3 years ago, and yet we still have no bedroom curtains. I can't wait for interior shops and showrooms to reopen so I can find the perfect fabric design (something I have tried and failed to do on-line) whilst also being able to browse around soaking up lots of inspiration for future colour and print designs at Cefinn.

Our Pop Up

I am excited that our pop-up shop on the King's Road will reopen this Monday, 12th April - with all safety measures! Lockdown made me realise how important spending time talking to our customers is - so much insightful and inspiring feedback. For more details on the reopening, click here.

My Summer 21 Collection Favourites