216 is a delicate spring scent centred on British daisy and bergamot blossom. It alludes to the very first day of the season when dew-covered blooms begin to emerge.

171 evokes a summer drive in countryside lanes, taking in heady aromas of fresh mint and vintage iris, with a touch a soft leather.

157 conjures the end of summer with an early autumn walk in crimson woods. Extracts of birch leaf, bay oil, Norfolk lavender are combined with a touch of powdery vanilla.

167 harks back to a well-deserved fireside drink after an invigorating day spent in winter field games. A top note of Juniper berries is carefully blended with the scent of waxed leather and a touch of clary sage and cedar wood.

These evocative scents are the perfect backdrop for creating a soothing and sophisticated aroma around your home – all year round.

The winner will also receive a set of our 300 thread count cotton percale Island bed linen range - plus a classic Lambswool Angora Throw**, worth over £500. So, not only will you be able to enjoy Josephine Home bed linen at home, you will also be able to away from home too. 

To win this indulgent package, you simply need to Instagram a photo of the items that you would pack to create a ‘home away from home’ whilst on your travels. All entries must use the hashtag #homeawayfromhome and be tweeted to both @SouthPlaceHotel and @JosephineHome. 

Entries should be imaginative and considered (whether it’s one of your very own Josephine Home cotton bathrobes), lavender eye pillows, favourite snacks… and, with the magic of Instagram, well photographed!

Located just minutes away from Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations, the exclusive 80-bedroom South Place Hotel is situated in London’s trendy East End. Featuring two restaurants, three bars, five private dining areas, Conran interiors and a collection featuring local artists, this inspiring hotel is within walking distance to both Shoreditch, Hoxton and Spitalfields, as well as the financial district of Square Mile.

But you will have to hurry, as the competition is only open from Wednesday 8th May until Wednesday 12th June 2013, when the winner will be announced and the full collection of photos will be shared. So get snapping and start tweeting today!

To enter:

1. Take a photo of the items you would pack to create a 'home away from home'.

2. Share on Instagram with the hashtag #homeawayfromhome.

3. Tweet your entry to @SouthPlaceHotel and @JosephineHome before Wednesday 12th June 2013. 

* VIP stay is for winner plus a guest. Valid for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night's stay, availability permitting.

**Josephine Home prize comprises: 4 x standard size pillowcases, 1 x duvet cover and 1 x flat or fitted sheet, all from the 300 thread count Island range; plus 1 x regular size Lambswool Angora Throw (180x130cm).

There is no cash alternative to the prize, it is non-refundable and non-transferable and not for resale.

We are currently offering 50% OFF our two exclusive designs in nine colours, to help you step into spring on a brighter note.

Shop lampshades >

(Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion)

Shop cushions >

Simply enter the code EASTER13 at checkout to receive your discount.

Shop now >

(Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion)

Josephine Home cashmere is super fine and selected from high grade Mongolian fibres. In Scotland, the yarn is washed in pure loch, or river, water as only the purest waters will remove all of the small impurities in the yarn. This special technique allows the yarn to reveal its utmost softness. The cashmere is then spun, woven and finished in Scotland.

We are one of the rare houses that exclusively uses double-ply yarns for our woven throws and we also produce products with up to 8-ply for when extra warmth and density is needed. The difference between single and double-ply is obvious to the touch and double ply gives the buttery richness of feel that is the hallmark of good quality cashmere.

To see how our cashmere throws and stoles are made, watch our short video.

Shop throws >

We wanted to create something that was soft and cosseting – most brands focus on bright fancy designs but the linen feels super rough, which is not ideal on young skin.

Our Children’s Twill Cotton Bed Linen Collection is stylish, practical but most of all, comfortable. Available in four colour options, there is a choice of blue for boys and pink for girls.

Shop Children’s Twill Cotton Bed Linen Collection >

We will also be extending our opening hours on Tuesday 4th December until 9pm.

Josephine Home
592 Kings Road
London
SW6 2DX

T: +44 (0) 207 751 0100

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm

Tuesday 4th December: 9am to 9pm

First to launch will be a range of all British-made silk nighties. The limited edition design sports an ultra-flattering bias cut with a deep v-neck front. Available in five unique Hockney-inspired colour combinations, the unique fabric patterns have been designed and printed in Britain specifically for Josephine Home.

As these nighties will be produced in a limited run, we would encourage you to register your interest for when they arrive in stock.

Following the nighties launch, we will be introducing silk pyjama pants, knitted ponchos and an offering in ‘boyfriend shirting fabrics’ – so there’s a lot more to look forward to on the horizon!

Register your interest in the Silk Nightie >

View our Nightwear Inspiration moodboard >

Overall, what came through, from suppliers, attendees and the regular seminars, was that in times of austerity, service and quality matter more than ever when staying in hotels. No one is going to want to spend well-earned cash without having the most fabulous experience. It doesn't have to be grand but it does have to be special—from the coffee (and coffee filter) on the side table to the bed linen and shampoo in the bathroom.

What impressed me most was that everyone was really engaged. This was a relatively small event but attendees came from all over the UK and were keen to see how they can provide the best possible experience for their customers.  In spite of the apparent economic meltdown, everyone seemed very upbeat—they are investing in the best to provide the best.

At the end of the two days, we felt it was such a success that we have already booked again for next year!

 -Martin Betts

1. Choose good quality bed linen: Combine superior material, finely woven fibres and high thread count and you have a great bed linen. Our best-selling 500 thread count Classic Bed Linen Collection is soft, silky and super luxurious. Alternatively, the 300 thread count Island Bed Linen Collection has a percale weave, which just gets better over time as the fabric tends to mesh together. The unique feel of all Josephine Home bed linen makes sliding between the sheets irresistible.

2. Launder and store properly: There is nothing like the feel of freshly laundered fine cotton on the skin and good quality linen should both last a long time and improve with age, so it is worth taking care of. Wash at the lowest temperature (40-60 degrees) without filling the drum too tightly as water must be able to circulate to ensure a thorough wash. Always iron sheets while they are still slightly damp for an easy glide and a perfect finish. Make sure to store neatly – ideally in a separate linen cupboard, or drawer, perhaps adding a favourite scent to infuse the linen. The result will be impeccable, freshly scented linen, which should make it a treat to get into bed every night.

3. Design your perfect comfort zone: What is your ideal comfort zone? Soft and fluffy pillows? Do you need three to work comfortably in your “boffice”, but only actually sleep on two, or just one, all scrunched up? Once you have given these questions some thought, you can get to work and design your perfect haven. And just remember, without the right mattress and your perfect pillows, you can't fully appreciate excellent bed linen—you don’t want to feel bulky feathers in your pillows or sleep on a lumpy mattress, it would simply be a waste of a great opportunity to finally enjoy the rest that you deserve.

4. Don’t hold back: Your bed is your ultimate private space. Do you prefer to sleep in a cold room, but under a warm duvet? Do you welcome the reassuring weight of a heavy blanket, or do you insist on the cosiest of down duvet? Do you dream of a Princess and the Pea cosy bed, or a hard, totally flat mattress? Is a high, super size emperor bed more your style? Or do you feel happier in a double bed tucked up against a wall?

Whatever your preference, when it comes to bedding, it is an all or nothing situation and it is worth getting it right. Focus on your bedroom as your perfect space, whether you prefer it to be cool or warm, with soft lighting, fresh flowers, your favourite books and the best art in the house? Or zen-like, pure and restful? This does not mean, however, that you can't do it all on a budget but it does mean that you have to pay attention to what you are using and how you are setting up your bed – and to never worry about investing in the full works!

For more information about buying and caring for your bed linen, check out our full bed linen guide.

The first was the suites at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. The most distinguished grand dame of hotels of the Far East, the Mandarin Oriental is the vanguard of luxury. From the moment you step inside, you instantly feel like you are at home - the finishing is exemplary and the service is out of this world, true to the Mandarin Oriental ethic.

Josephine Home was thrilled to be chosen to equip the hotel's suites, each one totally unique and even the smallest of touches have been beautifully thought out.

When coming up with the concept for the bed linen, we wanted to create a unique design that referenced and welcomed guests to the Chinese culture. The idea of a scattered handful of rice was for us the epitome of bounty, generosity and conviviality. The design was woven into the fabric to produce a subtle decoration that guests will only notice once they step up close to the bed. To complement the duvet cover, the pillowcases are plain with our signature Josephine Home grosgrain trim.

Closer to home, Josephine Home was approached by a brand new hotel in East London, South Place Hotel.  The first luxury hotel by D&D London, it is luxurious, yet comfortable and feels remarkably intimate once inside. The amazing lighting highlights the evocative artworks, complementing the sleek yet cosy interiors and the efficient service makes this hotel a gem in the heart of the City.

The bedroom boasts a super comfortable bed with oversized pillows and Josephine Home bed linen is teamed with our pinstripe cushions, giving a nod to London's East End heritage.

Both projects have been a dream for us to be involved with and we do hope you get to see our bed linen in situ at one of these great hotels.

Image courtesy of Guy Montagu-Pollock/arcaidimages.com

The journey is fraught with danger—4x4s (the only cars apparently allowed in Daymer Lane) barrel down the single lane road at a brake neck speed, steel haired women at the wheel, flinging pedestrians, children and parents alike into the hedgerows.

We arrive unscathed at Daymer Beach and are ready for the bracing waves (clearly it is raining). But we are one surfboard short. Three children sharing 2 surfboards is as likely as Take That taking Robbie back AGAIN, particularly as Lucy has to have a pink one.

Daymer Bay Beach shop sells everything from a life-empowering post-surf cappuccino to rather dubiously luminescent ice cream with matching flip flops and is manned by a gentleman of indeterminate age, with a similarly indeterminate number of tattoos across the entirety of his arms and probably upper torso.

Jim, Lucy's dad, has never been to Trebetherwick, let alone to Daymer Bay Beach and is £17.99 short of the full £27.99 needed for said pink surfboard.  So he proffers his tatty tenner in some vague attempt at bargaining and combines humour with the promise of the balance later that day. Fat chance?  The thought of climbing back up Daymer lane looms.

But this is Cornwall. "No problem young man (Jim is 46), pop in later and pay the difference". Mr Tattoo hands over the pink ironing board masquerading as the ultimate surf machine and we leave.

Lucy is happy. Jim is very happy. And, in a single, small but generous gesture, we have forgotten the clouds and the rain and the seven hour drive - our holiday has started with a smile and goodwill.

See you next year Daymer Bay (oh and Jim did pay the balance).

Harrods, 2nd Floor, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL.

Although clichéd, it really is true that colours seem almost visually digitally enhanced in this beautiful part of southern France. Crisp blues stand out against rugged landscapes and you wonder whether someone has turned up the contrast button somewhere.

No wonder therefore that some of the world's most famous and beautiful art has been and indeed continues to be composed in the countryside around Avignon, Arles and Aix-en Provence.

While trying to recover in the hospital outside St Remy de Provence, Van Gogh, at the very pinnacle of his artistic genius, juxtaposed against his failing mental health, created almost 200 paintings and almost as many drawings in a little over a year. Most that survived are considered, quite rightly, to be some of the most fabulous pieces of art from the early 20th century and in colour composition terms, possibly never since quite matched.

In value output terms (apologies for the crass analogy) from a handful of artists working with an easel and brush, Provence can boast a GDP to rival Silicon Valley and one that will certainly stand the test of time.  

Vive La France!

-Martin Betts

I was at our warehouse on Thursday, checking our latest order to be shipped to Hong Kong – yes, an order that is actually being exported to the Far East.

The care, craftsmanship and quality that so many British companies like us strive to excel at was evident in a bespoke bed linen design, being made for an international hotel group in Hong Kong.

Aside from the political and economic conditions of banks refusing to lend to essentially sound companies unless under the most onerous of conditions, and politicians unable to exert any influence on the banks, let alone able to prevent the millions that could be lent being spent on exit bonuses - we should all take pride that we are still here, essentially on our own, continuing to produce beautifully made items in the UK and Europe, for customers both at home and abroad.

So, take heart - to actually exist at the moment is to succeed. Take pride - as we produce genuine products and provide jobs for genuine people. Take hope - if the banks do ever listen to Vince Cable, good, long standing businesses can be helped through the most difficult economic times in living memory, to continue to do what they have always done - make things, beautifully.

-Martin Betts

In addition to products from the Josephine Home range, Gentlemen’s Corner will be showcasing much, much more. Where do you find that finishing touch for the study or library? Here we hope. Whether a beautiful Dunhill desk cigarette lighter, a classic 1930s cocktail shaker, a spitfire altimeter or an unusual ‘objet de luxe’, we are continually looking for beautiful and unusual pieces.

An ideal place to find a unique birthday or anniversary present or simply a must-have item, no two items will be the same and all have been chosen with care. Most, we hope, will incorporate beauty, design and function.

And if you cannot find what you are looking for, we are happy to try and find it for you. Over the coming weeks, we will be continually adding to the site, and with prices starting at under £300, we hope that all pockets can be catered for.

We hope that you enjoy our selection of pieces but if you have any specific requests, contact us on +44 (0)20 7751 0100 and we will do our best to find it for you.

The new design means that you can now shop our collections of bed linen and home accessories, or search for the perfect gift, all from the comfort of your own home.

We have arranged the Shop area of the website into categories which we think will help you easily find what you are looking for. The product pages feature detailed photography and behind-the-scenes videos of how the items are made, along with suggestions of other products you may like to complete the look.

You will also find that we have a one-page checkout so that you can place your orders quickly, efficiently and stress-free!

In the Pillow Talk section, you can keep up to date with our latest news, view inspirational moodboards, videos, our press coverage, customer reviews and buying guides.

To find out more about our philosophy, why not have a browse through the Heritage section, or if you are looking for something made-to-measure, discover more about what we offer in Bespoke.

We hope that you love the new website as much as we do and we would love to hear your feedback. Drop us a note with your thoughts, comments or suggestions at customercare@josephinehome.co.uk.

Well, unfortunately this is the way of the world.

Firstly, while stock markets jitter, oil prices soar and fall like a kite in the wind and while gold holds sway, simply because hedge fund managers have no idea where else to place the billions, art is finally securing its place as a principal asset class in its own right.

Why shouldn't the Qataris pay $250m for a Cezanne and now $119m for the Munch (if indeed it is the Qataris)?

Cezanne is never going to paint another card player; Munch is never going to hear another scream. What better asset class to invest in when a substitute for oil could be discovered tomorrow and when the fool finally wakes up and realises that gold is just another metal with a shiny finish!

And what of the adoring public, deprived of their country's masterpieces? In a place where more people tune into The X Factor on one Saturday evening than probably visit all of our art galleries in a month, I doubt many of us will lose too much sleep if a Turner is sent to Russia or we lose a Constable to the Middle East.

Historically, great art has always been the preserve of the rich—it is not necessarily right but it is life. Most museums only show a fraction of their stock, so there is still plenty to see.

If the buyer of The Scream has paid even $50m too much, in a year’s time this will seem a drop in the ocean. A million a week to enjoy and  to own one of art's most enduring images—a  scream heard by Munch, translated so evocatively onto paper and silently heard by millions as they bade farewell to the old world and wondered what was to come—all this for a few days' oil revenue.

What, in any event, is too much for something almost (dare I use the word) unique?

So I say to the Russian/American/Qatari—well done and well done to the seller Mr Olsen—almost one hundred years of enjoyment and now almost one hundred million in the bank. That is what I call having your cake and eating it!

-Martin Betts

Whatever you choose, your accessories should complement or contrast harmoniously with your room’s colour scheme.

Mix textures to add depth to your scheme—combine polished wood with woollen fabrics, silks cottons, linens or even leather.

Arrange accessories in odd numbers. A simple trick of the trade means that items look more balanced arranged in odd numbers.

Spend on a signature piece. Choose an arresting colour that can be paired with a chair or lamp to create a sense of welcoming.

Don’t go overboard. Keeping it simple can mean that one standout piece of art, for example, becomes the focus of the room.

Invest in quality pieces which will stand the test of time, acquire patina and become the hallmark of your home.

Shop for finishing touches

Keep your recipient in mind. It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to get carried away and end up buying a gift more to your personal taste than whomever you are buying for.

Get creative. Show that you have put some thought into your gift and that you care enough to have chosen something with that personal touch from you. Creativity goes a long way so why not choose something a little unexpected?

Find out what they need. Sometimes a simple solution is to buy a gift that is just what they have been looking for or didn’t know that they really needed.

Look for a combination of comfort, craftsmanship and a touch of luxury to find a classic gift that will put a smile on the face of whomever you are buying for. 

Shop for gifts

What does GSM mean?

The weight of a towel is measured in gsm (grams per square metre), which refers to the weight of the fabric woven into a square metre of towelling—the heavier the weight, like our 600gsm towels, the fluffier the towel.

What does ‘zero twist’ mean?

Woven with zero-twist yarn, these towels have longer loops, making the towels irresistibly light, fluffy and soft against the skin, while also being very absorbing.

How do I care for my towels?

Your Josephine Home towels should ideally be washed on cold before the first use to soften the fibres. Once in use, they should be washed with whites only at 40 degrees to keep them white and fresh for as long as possible. They will however easily withstand a 60 degrees wash which is essential when a deep clean is required.

Tumble dry is essential for a lovely fluffy finish. However, if you are lucky enough to be able to air dry them outside on a line, this will give them the irreplaceable smell of fresh air with the slightly rougher finish of old fashioned towels.

Never use fabric conditioner on towels, bath mats or bathrobes as it will coat the fibres and make them less absorbent.

Shop our bath linen range

What is a tog rating?

 A tog rating is the term used to measure a duvet’s ability to trap warm air—so the warmer the duvet, the higher the tog. 

What is Hungarian goose down filling?

Natural filled duvets have better thermal properties than synthetic ones and use less filling to achieve the same warmth. The geese are reared in Hungary’s cold climate so they produce down that is naturally insulating and soft. ‘Down’ refers to the fluffy clusters found under the feathers at the breast of the bird, which helps them to stay warm in very cold temperatures. A good quality goose down also lasts a lot longer than other fillings and has a life expectancy of up to 40 years.

For maximum comfort, pair a goose down duvet with goose down pillows that mould snugly around your head and shoulders.

What size should I choose?

Shop our duvets & pillows range

What is thread count?

The thread count is used to describe the number of threads in a square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the finer and smoother the fabric to touch. As a general rule, the higher the thread count, the more superior the quality of your bed linen. Standard cottons will be around 110 thread count, while higher quality starts at 200. Anything above 200 is considered a much more luxurious quality. We still believe that fabulous bedding starts at 300 thread count, however, to confuse matters, all thread counts are not equal. You want to check quality, high thread count which is made of longer fibres is better than a combination of shorter, cheaper fibres—this is why our range starts at 300 thread count and goes up to 1000.

Which fabric should I choose?

Egyptian Cotton: This term relates to the fibre used to make the fabric. Egypt is renowned for growing cotton with particularly long fibres that allows them to be spun unto very fine, soft yet durable yarns, making Egyptian cotton into one of the finest. It is now also found in many regions of the world.

Cotton Sateen: This relates to the weave used to turn the fibre (Egyptian Cotton) into fabric. Through an overlay of yarns on the surface, a sateen weave creates a fabric that has a lustrous, smooth surface that is irresistibly soft against your skin. This weave can also have a slight sheen.

Cotton Percale: This term also refers to the weave of the cotton fibres. Percale weave has a more matte look as it is a flat weave. When made in a good quality thread count (300 and above, for example) it has the unusual quality of improving with age. Percale is a high quality combed cotton. Combing removes any rougher poor quality fibres and gives bed linen a lovely smooth finish.

 What bed linen components are available?

Our pillowcases come in the classic Housewife style, which has no border and fits exactly to the edge of the pillow. Our bespoke pillow cases are available in an Oxford style which has an additional border around the edge and mitred corners for a stylish look.

Duvet covers have a traditional French ‘tail’ or ‘bottleneck’ end fold rather than button closure, which gets tucked in at the bottom for ease of bed making and so that you don’t lose your covers at night.

Fitted sheets have elasticised corners to keep your sheet secure through the night. Josephine Home fitted sheets all have a depth of 30cm. If your mattress is deeper, choose a flat sheet and fold in the corners to secure it in place. A flat sheet is also used as a top sheet and is essential if making your bed with blankets. Make sure your flat sheet has the right side facing down so that when you turn it back at the top of the bed, the right side is facing up. 

What size should I choose?

How should I care for my bed linen?

For generations, laundering, whitening and darning bed linen were vital rituals in the cycle of life associated with fine linen. Today, a few simple rules will ensure you get the best out of your bed linen.

Firstly, wash at the lowest temperature (40-60 degrees) without filling the drum too tightly as water must be able to circulate to ensure a thorough wash. Soft water also makes a huge difference to the feel of your linen, so it is really worth investing in a water softener if you live in a hard water area.

Secondly, always iron sheets while they are still slightly damp for an easy glide and a perfect finish.

Finally, store well away from any dust – ideally in a separate linen cupboard, or drawer, perhaps adding an evocative scent to infuse the linen. The result will be long lasting, crisply ironed, freshly scented linen, which will make it a treat to get into bed every night. Given that we spend up to a third of our lives in bed, it just has to be worth it.

Shop our bed linen range

It was the most extraordinary experience to walk through the majestic galleries and realise that a 70 year old had painted everything over the last 3 years. A rough count suggested between 150 to 200 works of art that were so full of life that they literally transported you to Hockney’s beloved Yorkshire or to the Grand Canyon with equal force.

That night, I couldn’t help but dream of the colours I’d seen: blazing russets and irate raspberries, lashes of sunshine, blankets of soft green grass—where you and I see grey, Hockney sees pink or purple.

The main lesson that I took from the exhibition was to look everywhere for beauty and colour. So with this in mind, I jumped straight into my colour dictionary and came up with ideas for a new silk pyjama bottom range. I wanted them colourful, bright and full of humour for a happy ending every night and a brilliant start to every day. Not to mention a gentle reminder of Hockney's philosophy: look to see, appreciate to love and live to the full.

I hope you find a style you love – as much as I do.

- Stephanie Betts