Ottoman Maison // Mediterranean Inspired Homewares

One of the most beneficial elements to my work is meeting new like minded people who have a true talent and passion about what they do.  In the Summer of this year I met Sally the owner of Ottoman Maison via instagram and a new friendship was born.  In this world of fast fashion and consumerism, being reminded of the slower approach to  life and the artisans behind family run businesses is the tonic that counteracts the relentlessness that surrounds us.

I know this quote gets used rather a lot but William Morris truly hit the nail on the head when he said have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.  Ottoman Maison is a beautiful online store with Mediterranean inspiration in every tactile towel and blanket.  The natural colour elements and fabrics in their collections truly reflect nature, the beautiful blues of the sea, the sun kissed biscuit coloured sand and the warm whites of the painted walls of the homes around the Aegean.  A home isn’t quite finished without texture and textiles, I always have throws at the ready for when I feel chilly and now is the perfect time to add a few more to make your home Winter ready.   The Puglia design works perfectly in my home, the linen cotton blend is soft but weighty enough to keep you toasty, the slightly grainy texture highlights the other linens in my collection perfectly.  Not only does it look good draped over my sofa, it works very well as a throw on the bed too.

I am a complete convert to Turkish towels and I simply can’t get enough, not only do they look amazing, they are super absorbent and dry quickly.  I’m not a fan of the traditional fluffy towel, I like something far more versatile and natural.  The Peshtemal certainly is that, not only can you use these towels for your daily bathroom routine, they can be re-invented as a throw, picnic blanket or even a table cloth.  The different textures and colours will make a statement not only in your bathroom but around the house too.  They are my go to towel and my ever growing collection is testament to that.

Ottoman Maison has taken many years of dreaming and hard work to come to fruition.  Sally has been passionate about textiles and fabrics for as long as she can remember.  After years of working in the corporate world, covid gave her the perfect opportunity to reflect on what really mattered and she put all her energy into creating this wonderful business.   She met her husband in 2015, he introduced her to his home country Turkey and she was hooked.  The way of living, the heritage the use of their beautiful towels, blankets and throws.  Sally has created a family run business across two countries, from Turkey where she is based and is able to visit artisan suppliers, learning the craft of their trade which is not only a privilege but a constant cause of fascination and admiration.  Then everything is shipped to the UK where it is packed and lovingly sent to fulfil your order, no middle men, no opaque supply chain.   Everything featured in their collections are a labour of love.  From sourcing beautiful bespoke fabrics, to working with ethical, creative, artisan companies with the same values, to finding the most gorgeous items for a stylish and relaxed way of life.

The dedication to provide beautiful items for the home, ones that get softer and more desirable with time.  Making everyday objects precious and cherished rather than throw away.  Being able to source sustainable fabrics and materials that are kind to the skin and the environment, premium grown Turkish cotton, linen and bamboo, traditionally woven and sustainably produced locally.

Keeping Ottoman Maison bespoke and considered, a family run business with the Mediterranean at the heart of what they do is something I will shout about across the roof tops.   Beautiful artisan businesses such as this need our support, love and homes to keep them thriving.  These sumptuous wares would make a perfect Christmas gift for the interior lover in your family, one you’ve tried a Turkish towel I promise you will never go back!

 

With thanks to Ottoman Maison for gifting the towels and blanket for the purpose of this post