Pretty Useful

When it comes to de-cluttering we often think of having to bid a sad farewell to much loved items that are taking up space, or ditching that hefty stack of ‘things’ that are gathering dust that we can’t bear to throw away just yet. But actually, we can de-clutter in a way that skirts around having to make some Sophie’s choice kind of decisions, where you can keep almost everything as well as decorating your home by replacing a pile for stuff with a beautiful home accessory or storage unit. I’ve selected some gloriously nifty accessories that’ll show you can have style and substance.

‘Three Copper Trunks’ from Barker and Stonehouse

In my household, no matter how much we tidy and detox the house there is always a never-ending accumulation of things lying around and forming piles, all of which unfortunately is needed and can’t be tossed away. So instead of having unsightly clutter everywhere, purchasing something like these copper trunks is the perfect solution. On the outside they can be used as a feature or decorative piece in a room, but on the inside they can be filled with you secret stash of clutter!

A beautiful log burning fireplace can really capture the eye when entering a room, and there is no need for your log storage to be any different. This log holder from Cox & Cox acts almost as a frame, turning a pile of logs into something of an art piece.

‘Iron Log Holder’ from Cox & Cox

The same can also be said for your fruit and veg! You can add an instant pop of colour to you kitchen or pantry by using something like these wire baskets. Not only are they an easy and useful storage solution but they’re also a nice, simple attractive piece to give your kitchen a splash of character.

‘Wire Tier Basket’ from Cox & Cox

If you’re tired of seeing food packaging littering your kitchen, a few nifty jars and pots will sort that right out! For displaying teabags or whatever you fancy in a sweet way this Graham and Green jar with a pretty bear feature on top is rather lovely.

‘Glass Pot with Bear’ from Graham and Green

For more of a contemporary style, these jars from Skandium are just the ticket. These Palet storage jar were originally designed by Michael Bang in 1969 for Holmegaad, which have been relaunched this year in new colours and sizes. They’ll make a fantastic edition to a modern style kitchen.

‘Palet Storage Jars’ from Skandium

Baskets can be used for just about anything, socks, magazines, towels or even laundry, and whatever your style there’s always something to suit you. I love these two wicker baskets from Graham and Green and Rockett St George, both are super stylish and suitable for all sorts of storage needs.

‘Wicker Baskets’ from Graham and Green

‘Sequin and Wicker Baskets’ from Rockett St George

For something with a little humour, as well as a handy aspect, this adorable post holder from Anthropologie is ideal. It’s a sweet and easy way to add some character to a hallway or side table whilst still be useful.

‘Dachshund Letter Holder’ from Anthropologie

‘Wooden Crate Bathroom Cabinet’ from Not on the High Street

This crate style storage unit is ideal if you’re into the industrial style, it’ll work perfectly for storing anything you can think of! For an interesting look, buy two and use one vertically and the other horizontally to not only create an attractive feature in your home but utilise the storage space.

There’s so many amazing storage and organiser solutions out there that even the worst culprits will be able to turn their hoarder’s hell into a clutter-less haven!

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Quick Fixes

Over the weekend I went to visit my friend in his new flat, a lovely space in the centre of town, but just missing a little something. He asked me what I thought was the best, least expensive way to create a home that actually feels like home, even when it’s rented. While you can’t always do a lot of permanent changes, there are small but effective accessories that you can buy that will not only fill up the space, but will make it feel more cosy and inviting.

Candles, cushions, rugs and other accessories are a lovely way to add some individuality to a space that doesn’t belong to you. They will automatically create a welcoming space, and are easy items to pack up if you move. I’ve picked out some cheap, but chic portable home accessories to help turn your house a home.

‘Cactus Candle’ from Graham and Green

Candles on the whole are an easy way to change a rooms lighting and atmosphere, building a collection of candles in all shapes and sizes will show off your individuality and character. This cactus candle is super stylish and a fun decorative piece to have in your home. Make it a focal point by surrounding it with simple, long stem candles.

If buying a designer set of table and chairs seems like something you’d rather not do, you can dress up your existing set in a few simple ways. Getting some cheap and cheery seat cushions will make a creative space out of an ordinary one, so will buying a tablecloth, they’re both an easy way to inject some personality into a rented house and will make the whole space feel homier. H&M Home have some rather fun, contemporary and reasonably priced low-key items that are perfect for a quick fix. I really like their range of seat cushions and tablecloths, plus they’re cheap enough that if you get them a little messy you don’t need to feel bad about it.

‘Selection of seat cushions’ and ‘Printed tablecloth’ from H&M Home

You can create a more settled-in feeling in a house by decorating the walls, it’s a great way to show off your style and taste without taking up too much space. I think this round copper mirror and Barker and Stonehouse is something special. The copper tones will help make a cold space warm, and will complement some leafy green plants. It can also be made to work with contemporary and bohemian style interiors.

‘Round copper wall mirror’ from Barker and Stonehouse

For something a little more alternative and intriguing, an interesting art piece like this wall trellis from Habitat is an inexpensive way to add some style to a plain wall. You could even get creative and begin to add you own personal touch to the piece by weaving in some fairy lights or fake foliage.

‘Trellis wall art’ from Habitat

Display photographs or postcards in an interesting way with these brass picture frames from Rockett St George. You could use one as focal point among some simpler frames or create a whole feature wall by using a few in different sizes.

‘Brass picture frame with chain’ from Rockett St George

Rugs are just a great solution to make any home feel more inviting for both style and practical reasons. Firstly they’ll help make the room feel warmer, and they’ll also help to reduce an echoing sounds. Style-wise they’re perfect to introduce some fun to your floors, especially if you don’t want to spend too much or you aren’t able to change the primary floor materials. I like these two simple but sweet rugs from Ikea that are ideal for making a blank canvas a little less blank.

‘Ristinge rug’ and ‘Sommar rug’ from Ikea

And finally, add a simple floor lamp, with a softly coloured bulb and turn a cold corner into a warm happy place. These Rutbo floor lamps from Ikea will work in all sorts of interior schemes, get two in the different sizes to create some diversity.

‘Retbo floor lamps’ from Ikea

From lamps to rugs, there are so many solutions to making a house feel like your own, and so much fun to be had in the process!

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