Anyone for a Dry Martini?

I thought this article might be appropriate for New Year’s Eve or for anyone contemplating Dry January. Happy New Year everyone!

 

Cate Burren of Angel and Blume Interior Design considers the art of the bar cart

I’ve recently been trying to cut back on my alcohol intake (not for any particular reason than the obvious ones, and it’s not going too badly thank you) and as with cutting back on anything, it does make you slightly obsessed with what you are trying to avoid. What I have particularly noticed is just how many references there are to our supposed love of a tipple in our modern world. Greetings cards seem to be particular offenders – it feels that every other card in the shop has a humorous, or otherwise, reference to celebrating almost any occasion with an elegant aperitif, or by getting completely hammered, depending on what section of the shop you find yourself in. Our interiors are not immune either. There is a sea of opportunity available to pronounce yourself a fan of an alcoholic beverage. I was recently in a largish department store where I saw, all in close vicinity, a money box with ‘Mummy’s Prosecco Fund’ written on the side, a cushion proclaiming ‘Champagne is the Answer’ and a framed poster which somewhat aggressively instructed its audience to ‘DRINK MORE GIN’.

Drinks trolley from Graham and Green

I am certainly not going to make a (mildly) reformed person’s judgement on the content of these declarations but it does strike me as odd that we don’t celebrate other forms of high living with quite such gusto. You don’t often see a fridge magnet for example that says ‘It’s Steak O’Clock!’ or a birthday card saying ‘Lobster Thermidor Makes Everything Better’.

Given our great love of a little drinky, we do seem to be surprisingly coy about how we house our habit. Wine racks and wine fridges are much more present in our houses than they used to be but other drinks are often still relegated to the back of a cupboard. I grant you that few of us want a Del Boy style bar in the corner of our living room but there can be something very glamourous about a selection of drinks, glasses and accessories that are well-displayed and ready for use.

I think drinks trolleys (or bar carts as the Americans call them) can be very good edition to a sitting room or other interior space as they make such a heartening display. Although they have wheels, they are not designed to be pushed round the room like you are serving on an intercity train although a quick trip to the dishwasher at the end of the evening (or the following morning if we are being honest) is quite handy. They are often rather marvellous pieces of furniture in themselves and look great when fully loaded up and ready to serve.

Cocktail cabinets are more discreet and can look very innocent from the outside. What you find inside can be anything from utilitarian to utterly fabulous. They often feature a rack for hanging glasses, mirrored back or sides, slots for your accessories and sometimes more – mini fridges, a pull-out serving ledge, lighting etc. David Linley, the master furniture maker has a ‘Techtonic Bar’ which is a piece of art as much as it is a piece of furniture and incorporates secret compartments (for your bootleg liquor) revolving columns and a cigar humidor. Its utterly beautiful and should be at a price tag of £130,000.

Gin glasses from Graham and Green

There are also some fantastic antique cocktail cabinets to be had and many of them have a least a whiff of lost days of high living. Unsurprisingly many of the really good ones have an Art Deco flavour about them and look great when either discreetly closed or party ready. I could be wrong about this but I personally think that no good can come from having a world globe that opens into a drinks cabinet but perhaps I am no fun.

Whatever style you prefer at home, it is hard to argue against a large, smart tray that quietly does the job of a drinks trolley or cabinet. This is not to serve the drinks but to keep all your beverage paraphernalia in order. A lovely tray, well curated, on top of a sideboard or occasional table works both functionally and aesthetically and is certainly a good place to start if you are initially dipping your toes into the home bar arena.

Whether you opt for a bespoke piece of furniture or a humble tray, the contents are key. Good glasses, an ice bucket, your desired bottles and mixers, condiments (citrus fruit, olives, tabasco sauce, cherries if you must) and other essential tools – ice tongs, cocktail shaker, cocktails sticks, swizzle sticks (come on, you know you want to) – can all play a part and there is lots of style choices available from grown up glamour right through to party lover.

I think it is important, both in terms of the look of your house but also for your own sanity to remember that you are not actually a bar, neither boutique hotel nor local boozer – you do not need to have every spirit, mixer, soft drink in the world to offer your guests. I think serving a drink or two that is appropriate for the time of year and day, that goes with the food you are going to serve, plus a quality non-alcoholic alternative or two, is perfect. Having a wide selection of dusty bottles, some with questionable sell-by dates, is a bit grim. After all, you select a meal for your guests rather than offering them a menu of choices (I hope) so why would you not do the same with the pre-dinner, and indeed during and post dinner, drinks.

And whilst we are talking about planning your drinking, quantity is as important as quality – sending your guests home plastered is not doing them, or you, any favours. Of course you want to have a great time and be a marvellous host/hostess but part of that is keeping an eye on the intake – serving four large G&Ts before feeding anyone will end badly. In addition, taking as much care over your Mocktails as you do over your Moscow Mules will encourage enjoyment over drunkenness. Lots of people don’t drink alcohol at all, or are restrained, and non-alcoholic drinks really can be delicious but it does take both effort and imagination.

So on that note, and before my best laid plans to drink less and behave better are too challenged, I would like to say it isn’t hard to glam up your drinks stash, so have fun, let your hair down and here’s to all our good health.

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The Garden Table

Summer has finally arrived in the UK, perhaps a little too much, and it’s hot hot hot! Which means of course it’s the perfect opportunity for some al fresco dining, and to enjoy those summer evenings. You’re may already have a table and chairs, and perhaps a seating area to relax in, but as with all rooms in the house it’s those little details and additions of accessories that make all the difference. Here are some lovely accessories and ideas that you could think about adding into your outdoor areas to create a charming and comfortable space.

Cotton Seat Cushion from H&M Home

Give your garden chairs a little bit of a spruce, style and comfort with a seat cushion. It’ll allow you and any guests to stay outside into the evening without getting uncomfortable as well as making more of a feature out of the furniture. These ones from H&M Home are fun and season appropriate and will help give the seats a little extra personality.

To create the perfect outdoor space, its about making it feel like a room in the house, and adding accessories is the best way to do that; you wouldn’t buy a sofa for you living room and leave it bare without a throw or cushions, so do the same for your outdoor area too! If you’re worried about weather damage, get yourself a little trunk or chest that can live near the back door to store your soft furnishings in. Give you seating area more substance with some playful cushions; this braided cushion from H&M Home has the perfect summer vibe for your backyard, and can be blended into different colour schemes.

Braided Cushion from H&M Home

Add some more botanical glamour to the seating area with this design from Designers Guild, its sophisticated and fun, and would work nicely with the H&M cushion above for a fresh contemporary look.

Palme Botanique Emerald Outdoor Cushion from Designers Guild

As well as being comfortable, being able to stay in your garden late into the evening also requires some good light sources. Creating the right atmosphere is an important part of any dinner party or special occasion, and lighting is a main factor. I love this outdoor chandelier found on Pinterest, it adds a romantic touch to an outdoor dining area, and it’s not your usual outdoor lighting, so gives your space some uniqueness.

Garden Chandelier from Sheer Luxe via Pinterest

For a different look, a few of these lanterns dotted amongst tree that hangs over a seating area, or along a pergola would look lovely. Make a statement look with them by hanging a few at different levels, or a sleek row of them.

Batur Hanging Lantern from Oka

If you want to add some eccentric style in your garden area, why not add a few of these flamboyant candlesticks from Angel & Boho. Their ornate design will give the space a little over the top charm, giving the area a fun and whimsical feel.

Petit Oiseaux Bird Candlestick from Angel & Boho

A seating area with a coffee table can be given a party makeover with a lighting addition like this one; a metal tray with tea lights floating in water will transform your day-to-day outdoor area into a dream land.

Candles Floating in Tray from Pinterest

Making sure you add the extra pieces to your outdoor area will make the space seem extra vibrant and full of style. Dining, coffee and side tables can be filled with extra home accessories to really put your own stamp on the space. Something like this mirrored tray from Angel & Boho is not only lovely and glamorous, but great for transporting drinks and nibbles, or sporting some candles when the sun goes down.

Gilt Mirror Tray from Angel & Boho

The idea might seem a little odd considering that your garden in probably surrounded with plants, flowers and wildlife, but having a vase at your table filled with a cutting of your favourite flower form your garden or just one you love, could be a really special touch; especially if it’s in a patio or decking area. A glass design to keep the space filled with light is a good option, this asymmetrical vase from H&M Home has a pretty look for an outdoor space.

Asymmetrical Vase from H&M Home

Of course you’ll need a beautiful set of dinnerware when dining outside, if you’re thinking about upgrading yours, this Naya set from Made is a lovely, contemporary design. The muted palette is perfect for showing off a meal of colourful foods.

Naya 12 Piece Dinner Set from Made

Finally, just as a little extra touch these candle holders from Garden Trading are just a really sweet addition to any outdoor table; especially with a little bit of sand placed in the bottom.

Wells Windlight from Garden Trading

It’s easy to not associate your garden as an extra room in your home, but when the weather is as good as it is now, it becomes the most important part of the home; so make sure that your space is comfy, stylish and suits your personality perfect so that you can enjoy as much time in your garden as possible.

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Garden Glamour

As summer approaches it’s time to start thinking about our gardens, and how to turn them into our alternative living and dining rooms for a few months. Some will already have a gorgeous garden, and some simply need to craft their accessories and furniture to suit their taste; but if you have a less then desirable garden, you’re in need of a few tricks to make your space feel magic. I by no means have green fingers, but here are a few ideas to get you thinking about outdoor accessories and furniture, to help create the perfect summer setting.

Festoon Lights from Graham & Green

Lighting, as with any room, is a key part of making your outdoor space liveable, sociable and atmospheric. These festoon lights are a great way to add some relaxed lighting to your garden, hang them on a wall or in a tree will create a charming setting for an alfresco dinner. If you’re looking for something with more of a contemporary feel, these wireless hanging lamps from Amara are an interesting find. The globes are bright little beacons; placed sporadically in a large tree or along a path down to the bottom of the garden would not only solve your lighting issues, but also make interesting feature.

Bolleke Wireless Lamp from Amara

A little lighting on the dining table, or around a seating area is lovely way of adding style to the space and making it feel more comfortable. For a classic look, these lanterns from Houseology are an elegant choice. A few assorted shapes and size will look good on a table as well the surrounding area.

Lene Bjerre Auria Lanterns from Houseology

For a different look, this Mullbacka lamp from Ikea is a modern twist on wicker, and would look great in a contemporary or urban setting.

Mullbacka Lamp from Ikea

Finding furniture that suits your taste for your outdoor area is just as important as finding it for the inside of your home. There’s a generic look of patio and garden furniture that we can probably all think of, but if this isn’t to your taste, there are so many of styles to choose from. If you love a quirky, contemporary look in your home, then bring it outside as well, in big and small ways. These ceramic stools are from Anthropologie’s first outdoor furniture collection; they’re a bright and playful way style your garden.

Soloman Ceramic Outdoor Side Table from Anthropologie

This Pemberley bench from Cox & Cox is a lovely alternative to your typical wooden bench; make it more comfortable with cushion and throws and it’ll make a great place to have your morning coffee or your evening glass of wine.

Pemberley Bench from Cox & Cox

Your classic little two seater table and chairs might be a sweet, little bistro set but if you’re after something different, this setup from Habitat may be just the thing. The shape and the matt black colour of the set will create a striking look; perfect for a small deck or patio area, or a hidden spot down in the depths of the garden where you get the afternoon sun.

Milton Black Two Seater from Habitat

If you have a little more room and a hankering for an alternative to a wooden table, take a look at this fibrestone, architectural table also from Habitat.

Tico Table from Habitat

Adding some plants to your outdoor area not only adds foliage but also some exciting colours and styles with the pots and planters they’re in. If you don’t have a lawn, pots give you more natural elements to your outdoor space; and if you’re a renter it means you can take your plants with you when you go without having to dig them back up again. These artistic pots from Anthropologie are simply beautiful and will steal the show of any display.

Glazed Abstract Pot from Anthropologie

These terracotta pot and stand from Nkuku have just an extra bit of style than the regular terracotta pot; the stand not only adds a new dynamic, but can also make a great way to house some hanging plants.

Jara Terracotta Planter with Stand from Nkuku

Whatever the improvements, big or small, updating your garden’s furniture, lighting and accessories will not only get your excited for summer, but will give you an extra space in your home that’s perfect for you.

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Spring in your Step

Now that the clocks have gone forward, and even though as I write this Cambridge is wet and miserable, I really do feel like its springtime. The change of season marks the time for the big annual clean, and while this tends to be a task that starts with high hopes and ends in tears, there can be some fun ways to carry out the tradition. Spring cleaning is good opportunity to think about small ways you can keep your home feeling a little more orgainsed and tidy all year round. If you’re not quite ready to tackle the big jobs yet, take a look at some of these little ways to improve your home.

Sienna Shelf from Anthropologie

If like me you don’t have much surface space in your kitchen, it’s a chance to utilise your walls and even create a feature out of some pretty shelving. These Sienna Shelves from Anthropologie have a great, simple style to them making them adaptable to all kinds of kitchens. Keep the tiered look or use two of the same sizes as a handy storage space for spices, utensils or any cooking items that need to be within reach at all times. By de-cluttering your surfaces, your kitchen space will not only look better but will make every day cleaning a much simpler task; plus with the addition of a little plant or an ornate accessory on the shelf, you can create a beautiful feature in your kitchen.

I’ve never been one for having my spices on display, mainly because the lack room, but also because more often than not, the bottles they come in are rather unsightly. Over the top branding and big font titles can ruin a beautifully thought-out kitchen, so people often opt for hiding the spices away. If you don’t have much storage space, or want to try something different, finding fun replacements for your branded spice jars can be a stylish solution. Something like a range of these adorable little bottles from The Recycled Glassware Company. They are the perfect size for spices, and come in a range of shapes to help you organise (one shape for one cuisine for example), all you need is to add a label and you’ve created a colourful and elegant feature for your shelving.

10cm Glass Bottle from The Recycled Glassware Company

11cm Glass Bottle from The Recycled Glassware Company

If you really can’t avoid using your surfaces, make sure that you put your items into something pretty. You can find a whole range of antique and vintage utensil pots on eBay or Etsy these days, but if you want to go for something more modern, there are some lovely designs out there as well. This marble style utensil holder from J by Jasper Conran is a simple but elegant way to store your pieces.

White Marble Utensil Holder from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

An organised hallway can be the key to making sure your morning routine goes smoothly. Making sure everyday essentials like your keys, gloves, shoes, purse and anything else have their own permanent place means never having to look for anything again. For your keys if there are a few members in the household you may want to choose something a little bigger like a tray, but if it’s just one or two of you, a bowl for your keys will do nicely. I love this bowl from Feather & Marble, its uneven shape and little feet give it some great features, making it a stylish place to keep your keys.

Nordic Sand Bowls from Feather & Marble

A good, stylish shoe rack really helps to not only tidy away your shoes, but also set the tone for the rest of the home. If you’ve got the room, a lovely shoe bench will help transform your hallway, but if it’s a bit of tight squeeze a well-made rack can do wonders. This piece from A Place for Everything has interesting angles and shapes, perfect for a contemporarily styled room.

Wooden Ladder Wide from A Place for Everything

An ample set of hooks is of course the best way to make sure that you keep your coats together and organised. If you’re short on wall space, layering the hooks for coats and bags is a good way to save some room, but if you can a few rails can be a great way to create a system for your coats; perhaps one rail per person or one rail per season, whatever works for you. This antique style rail from Grace & Glory is a lovely, decorative way to store your coats.

Iron Hook Rail from Grace & Glory

The bathroom is a space where I’m constantly searching for storage solutions and places to keep things that still remain within suitable in reach. A bath caddy is a great way to take up space in the air and not the floor; with different levels you can easily arrange your own personal system. This wooden caddy with white shelving from Futon Company is an amenable design for all kinds of bathrooms and comes in different sizes to suit your needs.

Bath Caddy from Futon Company

I can never speak too highly of trays, they are prefect for when you want to organise things into groups but don’t want them packed away out of sight in a box. I use trays on my bedside table, in the bathroom and at my dresser to give everything a specific location. It stops your surfaces getting cluttered and products being spread out, plus the trays themselves can be a really nice feature to add to a display. You can go for any shape, size or colour to suit your needs, I like this large marble tray from HomeArama for its size and adaptable style.

Rectangular Bahne Marble Tray in White from HomeArama

Keep your cleaning supplies somewhere are a little more tasteful with something like this Utility Bucket from Garden Trading. It’s easy to tuck away in a small spot behind the loo or in the cupboard to help keep up the aesthetic of the room, or if your using the same supplies for different parts of the home it’ll save you from lugging around an armful of products every time you want to clean.

Utility Bucket in Chalk from Garden Trading

Practical solutions made pretty, there are all sorts of ways to give your home that extra touch of organisation and style, that’ll help you keep a tidier, beautiful home.

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Easter Table Hunt

I always love an occasion to have a little hunt for some tableware goodies, and what better occasion than Easter. Creating a good collection of tableware is always an enjoyable activity; adding things here and there when you find the perfect item means that over time you’ll create a beautiful looking table.

Whether it’s for everyday dining with an added touch of glamour, or making sure that your table is ready to host a special occasion or dinner party, here are some ideas to give you table an extra helping of style, and some Easter themed treats to go along side.

Every perfect table starts with the perfect plate, and for dinner parties it can be a nice idea to which up your everyday plates for something a little more fancy. These Oka plates are reminiscent of Italian Majolica designs with their playful blue patterns and green leaves. These would make a great design to use for a side plate on your table.

Aragonez Side Plate from Oka

If you’re going to for a more exciting plate design, your place mats should be more of a muted neutral, or vice versa, these place mats from Rockett St George are simple but very stylish. They have almost a rippled effect and fade into different tones. They’re a great neutral design to use as a calming foundation to an elaborate plate, or to complete a more minimal look.

Round Grey and White Wicket Place Mat from Rockett St George

These khaki rectangular place mats from Holly’s House has lovely frayed edges, giving a warm and contemporary look, and would make a great everyday place mat for your table.

Pascale Place Mat in Green from Holly’s House

To accompany your table necessities, a few little extra items are what can really give your table some personality. Give your table some Easter charm with these little ceramic eggs from Oka; use them as name tags or spread around the table as a fun, relaxed display.

Ostara Ceramic Egg Decorations from Oka

These piglet salt and pepper shakers are another find from Oka. They avoid looking garish or gimmicky by sticking to the natural ceramic colour, which is a sweet off-white hue. Whether you’re actually using them as shakers, or just for decoration, they are sure to put a smile on your face.

Piglet Salt & Pepper Shaker Set from Oka

Sticking to the spring theme, these allotment napkins from Not on the High Street are a contemporary but elegant way to use a vegetable motif. There is a happy balance between contemporary and traditional in these designs, the vegetables are drawn in a classic illustration style, but the pop of colour makes them feel modern.

Allotment Vegetables Napkin Set from Not on the High Street

Add some more farmhouse style with these glass dishes from Oka the chicken shape tops are a super sweet detail, and could make a great juxtaposition in a contemporary apartment. The butter dish and honey pot could make a stylish breakfast even sweeter.

L’Oiseau Butter Dish and Honey Pot from Oka

I didn’t think a plate of cheese could get any better, but this rabbit shaped cheese board from Anthropologie is the perfect presentation. It would make a charming addition to an Easter table, but it’s also a great design for any occasion.

Lapin Cheese Board from Anthropologie

Of course a table wouldn’t be complete without some glassware, and there are hundreds of shapes, sizes, styles and colours of glassware available, and finding a set that suits your style and your table is all part of the fun. You may want to go for a matching tumbler, wine glass combo, or have a mix and match selection, either way there is always something for everyone. The pearl design at LSA International is the perfect collection for a special occasion; they have an iridescent finish, looking like little bubbles, a great way to decorate your table.

Pearl Glassware Collection from LSA International

If you like something a touch more bohemian with a laid-back style, these assorted tumblers from Rockett St George will make a colourful mark to your table, they are also the perfect way to serve a few cocktails before dinner as well.

Assorted Design & Jewel Coloured Tumblers from Rockett St George

Lastly, I had to show this beautiful jug from Anthropologie, from its gold bottom and handle, and the gorgeous glaze means this jug will be the centre of attention on any table; water never had it so lucky.

Karuma Pitcher from Anthropologie

Your Easter table never looked so good with all these gorgeous items to choose from, whether you’re finding last minute pieces to give some personality, or you’re slowly curating the entire table, getting the right items for you means your table will be the life and soul of the party.

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Dear Santa

If you’re looking for a few extra presents for a loved one this Christmas, or in fact you’re still collected ideas for your own list, there are some really fun and interesting homeware pieces that’ll make wonderful presents. Whether you’re looking for a few stocking fillers, or that special something, take a look at these last minute Christmas ideas.

Lustre Curve Vase from West Elm

These painted, hand-blown glass vases from West Elm are the perfect dazzling Christmas present for someone with a glamorous style. The rich blue and bronze mixture of colour will stand out from the crowd and make a beautiful centrepiece.

Sticking to the rich midnight blue theme, this inky coloured whale from Rockett St George is a triple threat, it’s stylish, practical and makes for a great present; perfect for displaying a few favourites on the windowsill or on a sideboard.

Cast Iron Whale Bookends from Rockett St George

Christmas is mainly about two things; presents and family, but mainly the presents, so combine the two with a beautiful picture frame that you can keep a treasured photo in. These faux shagreen photo frames from Oka will add extra style to a contemporary setting. Equally, these duck leg frames from Graham & Green are a fun way to add some style and show off a beloved memory.

Faux Shagreen Photo Frames with Curved Edges from Oka

Duck Feet Frames from Graham & Green

If you want to continue the fun, these ceramic planters from West Elm will put a smile on anyone’s face. The different animals can be used to match personality and taste, I think I’d go for the llama design myself! Keep them up on a dresser or add to a windowsill display.

Ceramic Animal Planters from West Elm

For someone will more glam taste, this gold embellished vases from The Estate Yard will make a great collection to display and show off single stem flowers.

Gold Vases from The Estate Yard

Or if you want to help someone house a slightly larger botanical friend, this graphic pot also from The Estate Yard is a fun, modern way to keep a plant.

Graphic Plant Pot from The Estate Yard

This little cactus is super cute, and works as a jewellery box, which would make a sweet addition to someone’s dressing table.

Cactus Jewellery Box from Maison du Monde

Our little cactus friend would go extra nicely with someone of these bamboo trinket boxes from Rockett St George.

Bamboo Trinket Boxes from Rockett St George

Finally, if you know someone who just loves throws, these little ones from West Elm have a dappled pattern and come in five different colourways, a lovely thing to snuggle into after all that Christmas lunch.

Cosiest Space-Dyed Throws from West Elm

If you find yourself a little stuck for ideas, or know someone in need of some homeware inspiration, send them a few thoughtful pieces that’ll make them smile this Christmas.

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We Wish You a Rustic Christmas

Another year, another Christmas that’s crept up upon us, or at least me. I love writing an annual Christmas decoration blog, as it gives me the chance to have a good look at what’s new. This year I decided to move away from the glitz and glam ornaments and have a little look at the more rustic decorations; which can be a really interesting and low key way to dress up your home this season. If you enjoy a more laid-back, farmhouse or minimal style take a look at some of these Christmas treats.

For a little Nordic style, this wooden Christmas tree from Amara is perfect for a relaxed Scandinavian interior. It’ll sit nicely as a special addition on the other side of a fireplace, opposite a log basket. Or a small Christmas reminder in your bedroom.

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornament from Amara

A smaller rustic Christmas tree can be found at Rockett St George. This set of six look great as a collection, or could be spread out amongst other decorations. They’ll keep the festive charm, but the neutral colours will stop things from going over the top.

Set of 6 Neutral Christmas Trees from Rockett St George

I love a good star decoration, it’s great for the festive season, and can also be used permanently as well. This wooden star from Amara has a gorgeous rustic charm; use all year round lying flat on a coffee table, and lean against a wall with some small fairy lights wrapped around for Christmas.

Wooden Star Decoration from Amara

These distressed iron stars from Rockett St George are a lovely design too, they’ll make a great wall display or could be hung from the ceiling in the hallway.

Distressed Hanging Iron Stars from Rockett St George

For a few irregular guests to the Christmas party, these owls from Abigail Ahern and these flying pigs from Baileys will add a little humour and character to your Christmas décor.

Orla Owl Sculpture from Abigail Ahern

Flying Pigs Decoration from Baileys

If you like a minimal style, there’s no need to compromise at Christmas, you can still get into the spirit and keep your look. These baubles from Anthropologie are made from chipboard, they’re relaxed and cool with a little hint of retro style.

Merry and Bright Ornaments from Anthropologie

Sara Candle in Ash from Heals

Add a few off these Sara candles from Heals in a few different sizes around a table or sitting area to create a minimal, romantic Christmas environment. If you’re not into the traditional style of wreath, or want to try something new this year, this minimal wreath from Trouva is a stylish alternative.

Walter and co Boxwood Wreath from Trouva

Add a touch of nature to your fairy lights with these pinecone and star ensemble from The White Company. They’ll look pretty draped around a mirror or door frame.

Pinecone Fairy Lights from The White Company

A festive Christmas doesn’t mean having to be a big, bright one, create your own little haven this season with some sensational rustic Christmas charm.

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Feels like Autumn

Autumn is arguably my favourite time of year, perhaps a close tie with the first few months of spring, but there’s something about autumn, with its falling leaves and the perfect amount of nip in the air. You can start planning on how to turn your home from the cool summer vibe to a warm and cosy one, using nature as your best inspiration. Deep colours, warm lighting and cosy textures are the best way to make your home feel ready for those colder evenings. I’ve collected a few ideas of some wonderful ways to transform your home.

A beautiful candlelit room by Ralph Lauren Home via Pinterest

In the summer all you want is light, bright rooms that can soak up the sun, but when the nights start to draw in, creating an inviting space with some warm lighting is the perfect way for your home to make you feel protected from the cold. Candles are a must have item in the autumn, but what’s equally as important is finding the right holders to keep them in.

If you love your cool contemporary interiors, but still want to add some warmth to your home, these metallic base candle holders from Graham & Green are a lovely way to incorporate both concepts into an interior. Mix and match the different finishes, or keep a clean look with just one in different sizes.

Tiya Lanterns from Graham & Green

To really hone in on the feeling of autumn, these Nkuku candle holders are beautifully decorated in charming autumn colours. The antiqued finish will really give you that warm, glistening feeling; a great way to light a small get-to-together or a quite night in.

Morri T Lights from Nkuku

Go one step further in using nature as inspiration with these lovely leaf wall candle holders from Rockett St George. With a hint of Baroque style, but with the right amount of modernity as well, they’ll keep your walls looking interesting and pretty and help to create a fantastical woodland feel to your home.

Leaf Wall Candle Holder from Rockett St George

Filling a room with different textures helps to create an inviting atmosphere in your home, ridding the place of any harsh surfaces and adding in warm, textural pieces will keep those cold thoughts at bay. I love this image below, of a cool contemporary setting that’s subtly been given some winter charm to it by the use of the faux fur throw and the textural tassels of the rug.

A clam textural living space from Nyde via Pinterest

Velvet is a fantastic texture to use in your accessories, but in autumn it’s practically a necessity; just want you need to nestle into on a cold night. These cushions from Zara Home are a divine colour, and will complement the warm oranges of the autumn, plus they have the perfect velvety sheen that’ll give your home that extra bit of luxe.

Velvet Cushions from Zara Home

I hold the biggest soft spot for the use of faux fur in interiors, there’s just something about a good quality item that’s too hard to resist. This furry stool is an amazing buy and the perfect way to top off an autumn style interior. Its sweet little legs give it a Scandinavian touch, plus the fur comes in different shades so you can match it to your existing colour scheme.

Shawn Sheepskin Stool in Taupe from Graham & Green

For an extra touch of texture to your walls, this hanging frame from Anthropologie with the cutest fringing along the bottom is a lovely way to frame a treasured photo or piece of memorabilia.

Fringed Hanging Frame from Anthropologie

For me, autumn colours is the best part about the season, in Cambridge we’re very lucky to have an abundance of trees all around the town, and when autumn comes the roads are full of fallen orange leaves. A beautiful deep orange is a lovely colour to add to your interior; just like this bedroom below which has been given a sumptuous orange throw and shades of orange cushions, all in wonderful velvet fabrics.

Rich orange bedroom from Designlovefest via Pinterest

This rug from Missoni Home is just the perfect colour, completely spot on for autumn. It’ll add depth to a clean and crisp white interior and enhance the romantic feeling of an interior that’s been decorated in dark tones.

Nirsa Rug from Missoni Home

Another lovely orange find is this beautiful, bright glass vase, a perfect place to host some winter twigs.

Wells Bubble Vase in Amber from Graham & Green

And finally, for that extra bit of autumn cheer at your dinner table, these Abigail Ahern plates are superb! The raw edge and rich colour are a lovely way to just your home a luxurious rustic vibe.

Cadiz Plates from Abigail Ahern

As autumn comes in, so do the luscious colours, textures and atmospheric lighting; helping you turn your home into a warm, cosy nest that you’ll never want to leave.

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Life’s a Beach

If you’re heading out to the beach this summer, or anywhere outdoorsy, keep the creature comforts of a stylish home at hand with some fantastic accessories that’ll make eating in the great outdoors feel less like camping and more like a relaxed al fresco affair. From glassware to blankets, we’ve got you covered, so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy that summer breeze.

Though the idea of a beautiful, sandy beach is rather picturesque, the reality is getting sand everywhere and anywhere. Avoid this mess with some helpful, and stylish, floor cushions and throws. These stripy picnic blankets from Trouva are made from recycled bottles, and are sturdy enough to keep that pesky sand at bay.

‘Striped Recycled Bottles Picnic Blankets’ from Trouva

Lean back and relax on these beautiful floor cushions, perfect for cosying into. The rich colours will really add some drama to your surroundings. Or keep it natural and more casual with one of these rush weave cushions from Not on the High Street.

‘Large Floor Cushions’ from Out There Interiors

 

‘Circular Rush Weave Grass Floor Cushions by Dibor’ from Not on the High Street

Give your seating area some character, and extra comfort, with a few of these beautiful outdoor cushions from Designers Guild. They’re a great buy and can be moved from a formal outdoor seating arrangement to a spontaneous picnic as quick as a flash.

From top to bottom ‘Jade Temple Cornflower, Amlapura Cobalt and Palasari Cobalt Outdoor Cushions’ from Designers Guild

Fine dining in the great outdoors can be made a little easier, and a lot more stylish, with some fun plasticware from Amara. These petroleum coloured tumblers are so pretty, and will work perfectly alongside these sky blue champagne flutes.

‘Double Face Acrylic Tumbler in Petroleum’ from Amara

‘Jellie Champagne Flute in Sky Blue’ from Amara

If you like a touch of over-the-top glamour, this wine glass is sure to be the icing on the cake, proving that being outdoorsy and sophisticated totally mix.

‘Chic & Zen Acrylic Wine Glass’ from Amara

It’s not only your drinks that need somewhere pretty to go, but your food too, and this pineapple plate from Graham & Green is so fun and summery.

‘Pineapple Bamboo Plate’ from Graham & Green

Keep everything packed away neatly is a classic and elegant picnic basket. This barrel shaped design adds an interesting touch, while the whitewashed basket below lends a contemporary feel.

‘Barrel Shaped Picnic Hamper by Eaton Hampers and Basketware’ from Not on the High Street

‘Ninon Whitewashed Wicker Picnic Basket’ from Maison du Monde

Stay out of the sun and into the cool shade with this stylish umbrella from House Doctor. The simple design means you can style it into the scheme without it looking out of place.

‘Oktogon Beach Umbrella by House Doctor’ from Wayfair

When it’s getting into the evening and you’re in need of some extra lighting, a few romantic candles that are protected from the wind will keep your magical surroundings well lit. This little bubble cage candle holder from Rockett St George is a really sweet find, adding charm to your alfresco area.

‘Glass Cage Lantern Candle Holder’ from Rockett St George

If you like a touch of the nautical theme, you’ll love this lantern from Zaza Homes, it’s a fun and simple edition to keep you going through the night.

‘Wood and Rope Nautical Lantern’ from Zaza Homes

And for that extra warmth, that most British holidays need, a cosy throw and a fire are the perfect companions. This blanket from Trouva is a beautiful colour, with some fun tassel details.

‘Jade Green Scandinavian Woven Blanket’ from Trouva

So whether you’ve venturing down to the beach, park or even just the bottom of your garden, make sure you have everything you need to have an amazing time this summer.

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Exterior Motives

Interior design is usually about the inside of the home, but it’s important to make sure that you don’t neglect your exterior in the process. Although we will spend little time looking at the outside of our home in comparison to the inside, it’s those small moments when we’re walking to our front door, or pulling up into the driveway that a well-crafted exterior will make all the difference. Sometimes it’s just about making a few small changes in order to create a huge difference, so here are some ideas to get you thinking about any exterior changes you could make.

Updating your lighting fixtures is a great way to give the front of your house a touch of your own character. If you want a wall light, this Calvi light from Astro would make a sweet accompaniment to your front door. It has a good blend of traditional and contemporary elements to it, making suitable for both types of houses, it comes in polished nickel but I think that this matt black is rather lovely.

‘Calvi Wall Light in Black’ from Astro

If you have the right structural elements and can hang a pendant lighting in your porch area you can really turn your lighting needs into a beautiful feature. For a little vintage glamour this Menton Lantern from The French House is a charming piece that’ll give your front door area a strong look.

‘Menton Hanging Lantern’ from The French House

To turn your path or driveway into an exciting feature, some well-placed lighting will do just the trick. John Cullen always have fantastic lighting solutions especially for the exterior of homes, these Kew LED Spotlights are great for helping to make a feature out of a plant border and giving some life to your front garden.

‘Kew Exterior LED Spotlights’ from John Cullen Lighting

When it comes to your exterior, sometimes all you may need to do if spruce up your front door which could just mean a lick of paint. If you love a bold, strong colour, a front door is the perfect place really express yourself; this pink door against the crisp white external walls makes a beautifully sweet but modern statement.

‘Pink Front Door’ by Look Linger Love via Pinterest

If you want to create more of a classic look, then a strong timeless colour will keep your front door looking lovely for years to come. Blue Gray by Farrow & Ball or Dock Blue by Little Greene in the examples below are great classic style staples.

‘Blue Gray by Farrow & Ball’ by Tone on Tone Antiques via Pinterest

 

‘Dock Blue’ by Little Greene

A great way to introduce some of your personal style is by finding some house numbers that suit not only your taste but the features of your home. These French enamel numbers from Willow & Stone are a sweet way to add a vintage feel to your front door, and will look especially great on the front of a small cottage style house, against a white wall.

‘Individual Enamel House Numbers’ from Willow & Stone

House numbers can be more than just a way to help out the postman, and you can really get creative with the way you display them. I found this interesting design in Pinterest which would make a great addition to a contemporarily styled exterior. The thin metal numbers are placed on a dark treat block of wood with a succulent feature added as well. It shows how you can turn a necessary part of your front door area into an interesting feature.

‘House Number’ from Interior Barn Doors via Pinterest

Other small ways you can update your front door is with a new post box or letter plate. This is a really great way to give a hint of your style, or to emphasise the house’s period or design. This Art Deco style letter plate from Grace and Glory Home has some interesting features to it, I especially like the curves in the design and the polished brass finish, all great Art Deco motifs.

‘Art Deco Letter Plate with Clapper in Polished Brass’ from Grace and Glory Home

This vintage post box from Melody Maison is full of style, and will give your front door area its own sense of style. The rustic design will look extra beautiful with some ivy growing up and around the post box.

‘Vintage Mounted Metal Post Box’ from Melody Maison

If you have the space, a few large planters can help to create the perfect exterior to your home, and even if you’re lacking in ground surface, a few smaller planters placed on the window sill or steps leading up to the door will still create a beautiful look. For a contemporary feel, keep it clean and simple with these cement style planters from Iota.

‘Fresco Cube Planter’ from Iota

For something unique, antique planters will really give your exterior an individual look. These planters from Violet Grey are mid-century and have a pretty style, one placed either side of your front will really create a warm, welcoming and glamorous look.

‘Mid-century Planters’ from Violet Grey

Dressing up your exterior is a great way for your home to give off an amazing first impression. Whether you want to play up to the home’s period or a particular style you love, or want to create a coherent and smart looking area, there are all kinds of ways to make sure that the outside is just as beautiful as the inside.

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