Interiors: The young Americans

When cult US store Anthropologie crossed the Atlantic to open a branch in London, it generated a real buzz and deservedly so. Just over four years on and the young American is a must visit for anyone who enjoys fashion and homeware.

For those who love interior design, Anthropologie boasts a carefully edited selection of furniture, textiles, lighting, and accessories, Its prices sit in the middle of the market, though for those on a smaller budget, its quirky ceramic and glassware collections offer excellent value. Its decorative plates are great as wall displays

In the sale now, down from £8 each to £4.95, are the Calligrapher canape plates. There is a plate for each letter of the alphabet, starting with A – you are my anchor. Monogrammed glasses are now £4.95 down from £12. We also like the brand new Gensia glasses, £6 each

Hot on the heels of Anthropologie came Jonathan Adler. A potter and designer, he launched his first ceramics collection in 1994 at Barneys, New York, then expanded into home furnishings.

He opened his first boutique in Manhattan and now has 20 stores worldwide, including his popular Sloane Avenue outlet. It stocks an eclectic and often colourful mix of furniture and accessories. Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of great pottery. New in are additions to the menagerie pottery collection of animals, along with a very cute glass dachshund for £78. On trend with a perennial favourite message are the reversible Love/Peace cushions, £145 each, and for those with big budgets, there are the exquisite Rider dining chairs, £895 each. They an homage to the Empire-style chair and boast wonderful attention to detail, which is what you’d expect for the price. They are also a perfect fit for Jonathan’s motto, which is “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it”.

West Elm, the latest arrival from America, has a similar philosophy. It launched in 2002 in Brooklyn, New York, and has just opened a 12,000 sq. ft store in Tottenham Court Road. It collaborates with independent designers and craftspeople and its furniture, textiles and accessories smack of originality. New arrivals include a fantastic selection of very fashionable terrariums to help you grow succulents and ferns. From £14 each.

The Market Kitchen Cart also looks like being a best seller. It costs £429 but is perfect for storing everything from crockery and kitchenalia to fruit and veg... and it’s on wheels so it’s a moveable feast. West Elm also offers design services.

British stores are also looking across the pond for interesting imports. Cool online shop Rockett St George is about to launch a collection of decorative tin tiles, as seen in New York’s most fashionable homes. It also stocks Brooklyn tin tile effect wallpaper, £219 per roll, www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

If you want keep abreast of the latest in American interiors, then there are some great Stateside bloggers.

My favourite is Design Sponge. www.designsponge.com, by Brooklyn-based Grace Bonney.