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The Apothecary Cabinet: Why This Vintage Icon Won’t Go Away”

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The Apothecary Cabinet: Why This Vintage Icon Won’t Go Away For a piece of furniture once used to store leeches and laudanum, the apothecary cabinet has done surprisingly well for itself. It’s outlived the plague, outlasted trends, and now it’s turning up everywhere—from influencer apartments to boutique hotels. Why? Because the apothecary cabinet is more than a throwback. It’s a functional, storied design icon that still solves modern problems—with character. What  Is  an Apothecary Cabinet, Really? Traditionally, an apothecary cabinet was a wooden storage unit used by pharmacists and physicians from the 17th century onward. Think dozens of tiny drawers, each labeled for herbs, tinctures, powders, and curiosities. Today, it’s a vintage lover’s dream: solid, multi-drawered, and weirdly satisfying to look at. But it’s no longer limited to its original use. People now use apothecary cabinets for: Craft storage Kitchen spices Vinyl records Bar setups Entryway catchalls The struct...

I Set Up My Nursery Corner Without Spending a Fortune—And This One Thing Made All the Difference

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When I found out I was pregnant, I did what every new mum does—panicked, Googled  everything , and made at least three Pinterest boards by midnight. I wasn’t planning on going all-in with a fancy nursery, especially since our flat isn’t exactly Buckingham Palace. But I still wanted a cosy little corner where I could feed, cuddle, and maybe—just maybe—get some rest. So I started with the basics: a cot, some storage, a blackout blind. But the real game-changer? A proper  nursing chair . I know what you’re thinking.  Do I really need one?  That’s exactly what I thought too. But honestly, after the fourth 3 a.m. feed with a dead arm and a cricked neck from the sofa, I was desperate. A friend sent me  this guide about breastfeeding nursery chairs , and I decided to take the plunge. It wasn’t some overpriced mumfluencer thing—it was actually affordable and looked amazing. The chair I ended up with had a low back (surprisingly comfier than you'd think), a smooth rockin...

How I Transformed My Flat Without Buying a Thing

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I didn’t expect a quote from a furniture designer to change how I looked at my flat—but it did. I stumbled across a piece by  Nick Smith , founder of the interior brand  Smithers , who said: “The secret isn’t in expensive décor or trendy new furniture—it’s in thoughtful restyling, strategic decluttering, and using what you already own in a smarter way.” And honestly? That one line hit harder than any Pinterest mood board ever has. I was skint, stuck at home, bored of my flat—but not in the mood (or position) to blow hundreds on new bits. So I gave myself a challenge:  make my home feel fresh without spending a single penny . Here’s what I did. Using what you already have with a few new additions can easily make your space seem new and fresh. GETTY IMAGES 1. I Played Musical Chairs With My Own Stuff The first thing I did was “shop my home.” That vintage console table in the hallway? Now it’s my new  bedroom vanity —complete with an old mirror I dragged out from under ...

The Truth About Breastfeeding Chairs: Do You Really Need One?

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When you’re prepping for a new baby, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the gear. Cots, prams, baby monitors—but there’s one item that quietly earns its place in the nursery: the breastfeeding chair. It may seem like a luxury at first glance. After all, you could feed your baby in bed or on the sofa, right? Technically, yes. But if you ask mums who’ve been there, they'll tell you— a good breastfeeding nursery chair isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a sanity-saver. Let’s break down what makes breastfeeding chairs so valuable, what to look for, and whether they really deserve a spot on your baby essentials checklist. Why Comfort Matters More Than You Think Breastfeeding (or bottle-feeding, for that matter) isn’t just a quick five-minute task. Some feeds last up to an hour. And they happen often—especially in those first few months when cluster feeding kicks in. Now picture doing that six times a day in a stiff dining chair. Or slouched sideways on a lumpy sofa with no arm support. It doesn...

Why Unusual Gifts Beat Boring Every Time

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Let’s be honest — gifting is a minefield. You either buy something safe and boring, or you take a risk and try to find something with actual personality . Here’s the problem: the high street’s full of the same old “quirky” junk — novelty socks, generic mugs, and yet another whiskey set. So if you’re looking for something with real edge — you want unusual gifts . The kind of gifts that: Start conversations Don’t get shoved in a drawer Actually reflect the person you’re buying for We're talking retro home décor , vintage-style ornaments , and design-led pieces that walk the line between cool and completely off-the-wall. These aren’t filler gifts — they’re the ones that get all the attention at the party. Think industrial desk lamps made from car parts. Neon signs that scream attitude. Wall art with weird, brilliant energy. Even furniture so bold, it basically gives you decorating instructions just by existing. They’re perfect for: Birthdays (especially for the “ha...

Petroliana Collectors, Start Your Engines – The Michelin Man Is Back

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here’s vintage… and then there’s Bibendum. This cast iron Michelin Man Statue isn’t just a nostalgic throwback — it’s a full-throttle slice of motoring history. With heavyweight construction, a beautifully aged patina, and classic French charm, this piece is made for petrolheads, garage collectors, and anyone with an eye for the road less travelled Originally created to sell tyres, this grinning Michelin mascot has become a global icon — and this retro replica captures every ounce of swagger. At 40cm tall and weighing in at 7kg, it’s not some flimsy shelf filler. It’s a statement. 🏁 Perfect for : Car showrooms Garage walls Bar setups with a vintage twist Gifts for classic car fanatics 🔥 Want a Custom Michelin Man Neon Sign? Imagine this legend  lit up . Literally. We’ve done  custom neon signs  for petrolheads, collectors, and retro-lovers across the UK — now it’s Bibendum’s turn. 👉  Check out our Neon Sign Inspiration Hub  — and drop us a me...

Meet the Bulldog Ornament That’s Taking Over Designer Homes

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If your décor's lacking bite, it might be time to unleash the beast. We’re talking full-size Bulldog Ornaments that don’t whisper — they roar. Sculpted in France and hand-painted in wild, eye-popping colours, these pups bring pop-art swagger to kitchens, lounges, and hallways alike. They’re not just ornaments — they’re four-legged statements. Each one is finished in a glossy lacquer, with bold drips and colourways that feel more street gallery than garden gnome. Whether you're into bold blues, fiery reds, or want something that screams "one of one," these bulldogs were built for the bold. Built for Bold Spaces We’ve seen these Bulldogs used in: Statement hallway setups Retail and window displays Urban loft interiors Man caves (sorry, not sorry) Even as wedding décor centrepieces (seriously) And if Bulldogs aren’t your thing (but we doubt that), you’ll want to sniff around our full Retro Ornaments section . Think classic design with a quirky twist...