Root is a design agency based in London who specialize in art direction, design, advertising and film for a nice variety of clients. Their work for Massive immediately caught my eye and is what initially brought me to the site. But once I look around a bit more, I knew there was more to be seen.

I’ve had this website bookmarked for well over a year now and I can’t figure out why I’ve never posted about it. Well that’s changing today. Trainspotters not only has a good story behind it but even more important the products that they offer have wow-factor. Vintage and Antique (salvaged) lighting, furniture and more. It’s not your typical antiques so don’t be fooled by it’s categorization. The only downfall? They are located in the UK. Damn.

Today I discovered that they have a link to their Commercial Projects which is where the photos above were located. Itss good to see how the salvaged lighting is being put to use in modern day locations. They look amazing!

And (yes, there’s more) they have a blog, although not very fancy it has some great information about Trainspotters including how they got started and some great tips on redecorating such as How to Achieve a Modern Rustic Kitchen. For some reason all of these items are listed in the comments rather than their own posts, but hey … it’s all good information.

When Southern Networks decommissioned their old slam-door trains and broke them up for scrap, Jesse Carrington (ex-director of Lassco) spent the next three days tracking down and buying 2,000 luggage racks and Trainspotters was born.

However, it was a phone call from a contact in the demolition trade that set the direction that Trainspotters would go on to take.

“Since then the business has expanded hugely but I’ve stuck with the name because people remember it.”

I just stumbled upon the artwork of Adrian Johnson and became immediately enamored. Adorable illustration work and the sentiments that accompany them.

First Class stamps

And I approve! A new set of stamps are going to be issued in January in honor of British design. They honor the Mini, Mini Skirt, Concorde, London Underground, Routemaster Bus and more!

First class stamps

All of the stamps will be available on royalmail.com/stamps and are scheduled to be released on Jan. 13 2009. Get your credit card and mouse-clicking finger ready! I have a feeling this will sell fast.

First seen on the Creative Review blog.

Karen Alder Cosmetics

Love these business cards by creative Peter & Paul in the UK. Check out the work for Karen Alder Cosmetics. Wow!

Below is the identity for gardener, Hilary Carruthers. Genius work on the business cards; an unusual shape but uses simple typography.

HC business cards

Hilary Carruthers

And the work done for the Stone Theatre is very nice the way it’s carried throughout in a consistent manner.

Stone Theatrr logo

Business card for Stone Theatre

Stone Theatre sign

Why is there a ton of great design coming from the UK, anyone know the answer? Is it the water?

Desk

Currently in the UK, researchers are hard at work with the “interactive multi-touch desk” (as seen above) in an interactive classroom environment. The technology is based on a gaming engine called jMonkey.

Interactive desk video

Large Painted Wooden Letter

…at least at Pedlar’s webstore they are. Measuring in at 7-7/8 x 10-1/2 are large wooden painted letters from A-Z! I’ve been adoring this look that I found online somewhere and this would be just the thing to help that along.

bedroom

Now this letter looks a bit larger in this photo than the one available at Pedlar’s webstore, but it’s close!!!

Oh, oh, oh…I love this! The Canvas Bell Tent. I originally saw this on the {frolic!} blog where the author linked to Zephyr Tents but after doing some research online through Ebay and a simple search they originate from Bell Tent UK. These have got to be some of the most romantic tents I’ve ever seen! I wanted a tent atmosphere for my wedding since it just screamed romance but we decided to have it at a more cost-friendly hall at a campground where guests could rent their own cabins. This is a beautiful option for those who are fortunate enough in the finance department.

Imagine this as your honeymoon suite for the night of your wedding, just as much if not cheaper than a hotel room for one night. Zephyr only offers them for purchase, not to rent but you can find some on Ebay from Bell Tent UK and if you reside in the UK you can purchase and rent them.

All of the photos above are from the Zephyr Tents website who also rent the Adirondack chairs. Bell Tent UK has a wonderfull gallery on their site.

Bell tents have a beautifully elegant silhouette, are quick to put up and pack down small – they were used as military kit in the 19th Century. The design is simple: natural cotton canvas drapes down from a central pole, and is held tight by guy ropes to create a distinctive old-fashioned shape outside and a wonderfully soft ambience within. They are fully waterproof, and in full sun you can roll up the sides and lounge about enjoying the breezy shade beneath.

Cost? Looks like they cost around $500 for the smaller version up to $800 for the larger. I’m not sure what the site means when they refer to the inner tent, but the inner tent is additional.

Can you imagine a thoughtful guy proposing to his girlfriend in one of these, swoon!