Shades of Cool London, was born out of my fifteen year-long obsession with Dohar blankets. I first came across Dohars on holiday in Goa and I was hooked! They’re the perfect answer to so many bedding (and decorating) dilemmas. Too hot under a duvet? Use a Dohar. Need a bit more warmth? Use two Dohars. Need a throw on a chair in the garden? Use a Dohar. You get the idea – they’re beautiful, incredibly useful and work well in almost every setting.

I'm obsessed with Dohars because they're possibly the single-most versatile item I’ve come across in all my travels. And I’ve done a lot of travelling…. I was born and brought up in The Netherlands, have lived in quite a few different countries, before settling in the UK and have been lucky enough to visit many more places for holidays as well.

So anyway, back to Goa…. I left half my luggage with the friend I was visiting, squashed two Dohars into my suitcase instead and headed home thinking I’d be able to buy more in the UK. No chance. I soon discovered they were almost impossible to find outside India and resigned myself to bringing back a few more Dohars each time I went to India. Before long though, friends and family started asking how they could get their own and I decided the time had come to have Dohars made for me that I could bring to the European market.

My Jaipur-based friends helped me to source a wonderful, socially aware factory that employs mainly women. Their Dohars are the most beautiful quality – lovely fabrics that are hand blocked using azo-free dyes. The elegant designs feature flowers and botanicals and are a perfect blend of East meets West that look great in almost any home.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll soon find that one Dohar is just not enough! And I’d love to see how you put your Dohars to use – just tag me on Instagram @shadesofcoollondon and I’ll be sure to share the inspiration.

I hope you enjoy your Dohars every bit as much as I have mine over the years….

Angel xx