For Love Milo, a Cape-based boutique home and décor store, the new Magnolia design represents the first time the brand has added a flower to its nature-inspired repertoire that has become renowned for its ant, branch, dragonfly and fern designs. 'I have such a passionate love affair with flowers, I honestly couldn’t wait to finally use one,' says Love Milo designer Nicki Ellis.
Love Milo's ethos is to bring outdoor beauty inside so that we feel our innate connection to nature in our daily home lives. The magnolia is an ancient genus, and it is said to have evolved before bees did, relying instead on beetles for pollination. In Victorian times, the magnolia flower was associated with dignity and nobility; across various cultures, it's been a symbol of poise and pride. For today’s women, the strength of the magnolia bloom also represents self-respect and self-esteem.
Nicki points out that the popular blossom trend is getting a revival in the spring and summer of 2018. 'Forget low-energy patterns and traditional florals. Instead, think botanical references in high-contrast colours and in splashes of oversized blooms which are gaining prominence in interior design. Lately, we are seeing bold, graphic floral prints in high-contrast colours such as black and white or teal and gold. I love the resurgence of the feminine in the big, confident florals that is from a boho trend that's more casual.'
The new Magnolia design is available across all their ceramic and textile products, as well as in 100% recyclable wallpaper. The ceramic range includes different-sized Magnolia cups and mugs ranging from R157.00 to R278.00 with stylish wooden saucers. Magnolia fabric, 100% cotton, printed in eco-friendly ink, is available at R404.00 per metre, while Magnolia wallpaper retails at R650.00 per metre. The entire Magnolia range and many more products are available on the Love Milo website.
