High Street Heroes

A monthly perusal of High Street seasonal newness to find my Top 12 lustworthy items to add to your home/inspire you this February.

Feb 22, 2025

This month has been the launch of the High Streets new season collections and there has been plenty of excellence to peruse for my lowdown this month. I only managed to make it to one Press Event due to the fact that the launches corresponded with the joyous two weeks of GCSE Mocks (I knew when Leo had had a good day as he’d call me to tell me; when it hadn’t go so well I had to ask him, ha), but it was great to see some freshness in interiors, making Spring feel much closer than it actually is (although tbf, the sun is out today in York albeit it’s still icy cold). It’s a big mood booster to see the new designs, concepts and ideas which are heading to the stores in the next few months. Not least the garden furniture, which although feels like months away (because it is, obvs), brings with it the anticipation of warmth on the face and morning coffees in the sunshine and ALL THE STUFF. I simply cannot wait.

I’m at my desk all week as my Mum is coming next week to visit from Reading. It’s been a while since she has ventured north of Watford so I have things planned to keep her occupied including a visit to York Art Gallery (item of note: the Harland Miller exhibition starts on 14 March for those interested), a wall walk and afternoon tea. York is not lacking in places to have afternoon tea. In fact, if you were looking to do a afternoon tea crawl in a Man Vs Food type of way, York is the place to be. You cannot turn a corner without being accosted by a homemade cake display or a sourdough loaf; since moving into the City in December I have developed an inability to even pop to Tesco Express without being drawn like a a woman possessed towards the cafe offerings of oversized crispy cake tray bakes and massive artisan sausage rolls. God help me. And my Mum, who is partial to a slice.

But enough of cake excess, and back to the High Street, where some of the newness that I’ve been spotting in releases is already out on the shelves. I wrote last week about careful investment and assessing trends, but loads of what I’ve spotted can be considered as classic buys that won’t date. Warm neutrals. Earthy colours (think browns, terracottas, blues and greens) and the odd colour pop (red is HOT AS HELL) combine with natural materials and multiple textures and I am SO here for it. There is plenty to inspire so without further ado, here’s my monthly round up of the best of the best.

1. Rice Paper Pendant Light, H&M Home £39.99

I’m missing my paper shades from our old house and this one which is just in at H&M Home is giving me all the Formakami feels. Big fan of paper shades - they add impact and fill the space whilst also keeping it light and bright. Plus, they’re usually pretty good value and this one is no exception. This is 42cm diameter so a real statement and would look brilliant in any living space.

2. Ceramic Fish Side Plates, Zara Home £5.99

I’m a Pisces and if you have been reading or following a while, you will know that I am unable to resist anything with a fish on it. These are new in Zara Home and there’s also a dinner plate with multiple on and more ceramic dinnerware to match, all in earthy terracottas, greens and muddy blues. SOLD to the lady who already has too much tableware.

3. Pecan Reactive Lamp, John Lewis £125

I couldn’t go to the John Lewis Press Day last week as I was otherwise engaged, but I’ve seen plenty online that would be an easy addition to your home this season. This lamp is a winner all round - warm brown, tactile shape, mixed materials, all the stuff that is ticking the interior boxes at the moment and there’s a seventies vibe to it too which I like. More of this, please.

4. Jute Scallop Trim Cushion, Dunelm £10

New in at Dunelm, this is the sort of addition that will go with pretty much everything in your home year round, making it a great little investment. Neutral cotton with a woven jute edging, you can easily mix this little beauty into your Spring decor whilst keeping the budget nice and low. Winner winner chicken dinner.

5. Palma Concrete Effect Table, Habitat £50

Okay, it’s not quite sitting outdoors weather just yet but it’s always good to plan in advance and I am very much liking this Palma outdoor table from Habitat. I went to their Press Day last week and there is PLENTY of excellence en route; this concrete effect little number is ideal for your drink and book, plus it comes in white too. As I write this, you can also get 20% off using RED20. Run don’t walk.

6. Bobble Contrast Wine Glasses, M&S £18

I am nothing if not predictable with my regular wine glass inclusions on the Heroes list, but this pair of lovelies new in at M&S could not be omitted. Again, COLOURS. They also come in coupes and gin size plus, they are dishwasher proof. Allegedly, although they haven’t risked my dishwasher loading system. Much as I love a shorter stem for ease, there is something a bit more special about a pretty long stemmed one.

7. Athena Jylin Jacquard Sofa Bed, Anthropologie £2,998

I am not in the market for either a sofa nor a sofa bed, but if I were, this one from Anthropologie would be sorely tempting. It opens to a full size pull out double which is good enough in itself, but THE SHAPE! Also, even as someone who is not prone to busy pattern, I am here for this jacquard fabric which is in an excellent colourway. Pricey, but perfect.

8. Fish Gold Metal Candle Holder, Oliver Bonas £12.50

There is an unwritten rule that I wholly subscriber to and that is, you can ever have enough candle holders. EVER. Happily for me, this one is in the shape of a fish which is my weak point so I will be heading straight to Oliver Bonas next week when my Mum (renowned for being a massive enabler) comes to visit to take it to the till.

9. Textured Vase, Arket £29

The New In section of Arket has a few items that go right over my head, tbh, this month (toothpaste squeezer, anyone?) but this Portugese glazed earthenware vase is a good one. Loved the textured finish and it would fit in nicely whatever your colour scheme. Plus, it looks much more pricey than it is, I think.

10. Plaid Nina Blanket, Mango Home £99.99

Mango Home has gone full on neutrals homeware wise, but I am very much liking this mohair blanket which has all the colours of the season (note: same colours as the Zara Home tableware range). The gorgeous blues in particular are a joy for the eyes (also worth noting they have a 70% off Sale on at the moment with lots of goodness. Sorry, I’m enabling like my mother).

11. Misty Blue Stoneware Mug, Sostrene Grene £2.94

More lovely blues at Sostrene Grene this month and I love this fluted mug that also comes in a little version for your espresso and a plate to match. It’s from the ‘With Love’ collection which aims to find joy in everyday items and as someone who drinks four coffees a day, this is an excellent ethos. As a side note, they also have a great range of ceramic fruit which I am sorely tempted by.

12. SOTENAS Armchair, IKEA £199

A few years ago now, I went to Milan to see the launch of IKEA’s Nytillverkad collection which is the reimagining of vintage designs from their museum collection into modern day pieces. I’ve been watching them return one by one and was awaiting this one with anticipation - originally the PUCK from the 1969 catalogue, it’s now updated for 2025 in this VERY excellent pop of red. It also comes in yellow and it’s FABULOUS.

So there you have my favourite finds this month. Which do you like the best? Do tell me in the comments below!

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