The blue and white color scheme of the ceramics is a classic. The beautiful balance of colors is crisp, elegant, and delicate. If you are looking to cultivate a collection of timeless plates, vases, and accessories for your home, this is a sure choice.
If you look at my cupboards and mantelpieces, you'll know I love blue-and-white pottery, but I'm also a bit of a snob: While some pieces look undeniably elegant, it can be hard to spot true fine design amid the overcrowded shelves of imitations in stores.
Luckily for us, British lifestyle brand Laura Ashley has teamed up with VQ to launch their stunning China Rose kitchen appliance collection, featuring the most beautiful stand mixers and portable blenders I've ever seen, which will be a treat for everyone, especially those of us with a penchant for blue and white.
What are Collections and where can I find them?
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
British lifestyle brand Laura Ashley is celebrating 70 years of success in the US by partnering with home and electronics brand VQ to bring to market a range of home appliances hand-applied with some of Laura Ashley's most iconic prints.
These traditional designs are a tasteful interpretation of the classic blue and white combination. The Elveden Navy, Elveden White and China Rose patterns are perennial bestsellers from the brand and are truly wonderful to enjoy in your kitchen.
There are a wide variety of home appliances available, but I have selected some of my favorites: portable blenders, hand blenders, hand mixers, slow cookers, and a really great stand mixer. If you want to know what to buy from the collection, check out my expert selection.
Brief Introduction
I'll talk more about the bigger, more substantial appliances later, but if you love the look of this style and are just looking to bring a little bit of blue and white into your kitchen, here are my favorites from the collection.
VQ & Laura Ashley 4 Slice Toaster
It has four slots but two dials so you don't need to use one to operate the whole toaster. It's durable, versatile, and of course, the most elegant toaster on the market.
kettle
Laura Ashley 1.7L Cordless Electric Jug Kettle
I love this kettle because it adds a touch of luxury to any kitchen – it's slim and sleek, but still has a 1.7 litre capacity, making it perfect for small spaces or large kitchens.
Set of 4 Plates 23 China Rose in Gift Box
If you're looking for a gift for a new homeowner or want to update your own dinnerware, this beautiful dish is the perfect choice. The timeless design is a classic stoneware masterpiece. I love it.
Portable Smoothie Maker Details
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
We've tested some of the best personal blenders on the market, and while there are certainly some attractive designs, we don't think we've seen anything quite as beautiful as this one. The blue-and-white decor is all hand-applied, with incredible attention to detail that makes it feel like more than just a functional appliance.
The VQ Laura Ashley Blender is completely cordless and super compact. It even comes with a 15oz juice cup on the top of the device so you can use the drink cap as a bottle. It's perfect to throw in your purse or gym bag and take it wherever you go.
The blender also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that fully charges in 3.5-4 hours via the USB cable included in the package. The 25,000 rpm engine drives six stainless steel cutter blades, which is powerful enough to crush ice and handle tough ingredients like frozen berries and leafy vegetables.
Hand Blender Details
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
I love hand blenders. They're a great way to make the most of a small space, especially for those who live in urban areas and need an appliance that combines the functions of a blender and a food processor.
The VQ & Laura Ashley Hand Blender is sleek (and, of course, beautiful) with a 500-watt motor and a ton of blender accessories. It also comes with a pitcher for smoothies, a whisk for dough, and a food chopper attachment. If you use the blender to make sauces, it also comes with a 10-ounce whisk cup and a pour spout. While that may seem like a lot of accessories that could get lost, this product comes with a drawstring bag with separate compartments so you can keep everything in one place.
Hand mixer details
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
The competition for the best hand mixer on the market is fierce: Braun, KitchenAid and Smeg all make stylish products, but a product from VQ & Laura Ashley may take the crown as the most stylish model of all.
With a powerful 300-watt motor and five speed settings, this machine is great in form and function. It has an extra comfortable grip and comes with stainless steel beaters and dough hooks to handle all your baking tasks.
Stand Mixer Details
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
Stand mixers are some of the most beautiful and coveted kitchen appliances on the market, but this is the most elegant one I've ever seen (and will probably ever see). The stainless steel bowl comes with beaters, a whisk, and a dough hook, making it a handy assistant for any avid baker.
The capacity is perfect for baking for the whole family. Plus, the 1800 watt motor with 10 adjustable speeds will definitely be a favorite in this collection.
About the slow cooker
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
Slow cookers are rarely beautiful, which is why I can't express how pleased I am with the beauty of the VQ & Laura Ashley model.
The stainless steel bowl holds 3.5 litres and is perfect for stews, soups and casseroles. It has three heat settings and a keep warm function, plus the tempered glass lid keeps your food moist and lets you keep an eye on your cooking.
Once you're done cooking, the inner bowl can go in the dishwasher, making cleaning just as easy as using it.What's more, if you register your slow cooker on the VQ website, you'll get a three-year warranty.
What prompted the Laura Ashley and VQ collaboration?
(Image courtesy of Laura Ashley VQ)
The idea behind a lifestyle and appliance brand collaboration is not new, but not always executed as expertly as the VQ & Laura Ashley Collection. “Today's kitchens are more beautiful and thoughtfully curated than ever before,” says Carolyn D'Angelo, president, Laura Ashley Global. “Our new range of floral tea kettles and toasters brings glamorous flair to everyday essentials that customers will be proud to display.”
The brand wanted to deliver on both substance and style, and these products do just that – timeless appeal and a great line-up. Last year, the brand launched a similar collaboration that sold out, so they're hoping for similar success with their China Rose line.
Where can I buy the Laura Ashley & VQ collection?
(Images courtesy of Laura Ashley & VQ)
In addition to shopping on the brand's site, Laura Ashley and VQ's new collaboration will also be available at Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, HSN, QVC and Home Depot.
This is a great style that was well-received the last time VQ and Laura Ashley collaborated, so I expect stock will sell out quickly. In fact, the range recently won an even more prestigious award, winning the Brand and License of the Year award in the Best Brand Licensed Electrical and/or DIY Product or Series category. I'll be testing it out in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for my review.
