Autumn Treats to Keep You Warm

The changing weather at the moment has me reaching for the duvet as I begin to wishfully dream of hibernation during these upcoming months. Alas hibernation is not on the cards, but some beautiful throws, cushions, rugs and lamps are everything you’ll need to make it through autumn and into winter whilst keeping warm and toasty as the cold weather sets in.

Ligne Roset has some beautiful wintery rugs in their collection at the moment, and my personal favourite is this Allusions design.

It’s the perfect component to your home as the eye-catching design allows the rug to make a statement as a stand alone piece, but is subtle enough to complement other accessories and furnishings, whatever your style.

The rug would look great with a cosy throw like this one from Soak & Sleep, or if you want to go a little more glam and like me you can’t resist a faux fur throw, try this one from Feather & Black.

Whilst you’re snuggling up in your throw you’ll want to create a warm atmosphere in your home, some beautiful floor and table lamps will do the trick. Ochre has some amazing and innovative designs; this beautiful cast bronze floor lamp is an elegant piece with a modern twist and will be your perfect companion as you relax in front of a film or with a book.

If you’re looking for something a little more striking as well as atmospheric take a look at this stunning Wall Mounted Kasba Tea Light Holder from Rockett St George.

The intricate design makes this a rather special piece and both a functional light feature as well as a fantastic work of art. The piece looks great on its own, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have the wall space why not put two or three of them together for a real feast for the eyes.

Another accessory to truly spoil yourself with is this exquisite Alexander McQueen cushion available from The Rug Company. The butterfly design is sophisticated, dramatic and timeless and would look amazing mixed among some plainer cushions, or on a simple sofa making it a real statement piece. It’s a bit of a splurge but the design is so beautiful it’s definitely worth it!

Veering away from accessories and dipping into some lovely furnishings, there are some wonderful pieces that are in-keeping with the autumn vibes.

This velvet chair from Oka Direct looks amazingly comfy and is the perfect place to sit back and admire your pretty throws and lamps. Plus the warm truffle colour makes for a perfect canvas to add other accessories in any style.

If you’re in need of a place to store your summer accessories or are just simply looking for an excellent addition to a room, take a look at this elegant storage box from Sofa.com, it’s both practical and pretty.

And finally, this new fabric collection from Zoffany has got me all excited. The Tespi velvet collection is beautiful and rich and is absolutely perfect for the colder months. It comes in various patterns and colours to suit your style: if you want a more traditional design there’s the Tespi pattern, or for a more retro or contemporary feel try the Tespi spots and squares. These fabrics are great for revamping some cushions or going all out and covering an entire sofa or chair!

So while the cold weather isn’t cause for celebration, the excuse to treat yourself with all these new home addition certainly is, and with these accessories, staying in has never felt so glamorous!

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Where The Wild Things Are

As a child I remember loving nothing more than animals and all things wild. Perhaps it stemmed from my love of Disney’s The Jungle Book and The Lion King, or our family’s visits to Wimpole Farm, but my bedroom was filled to the brim with soft toys, animal themed curtains and wooden parrots hanging from the ceiling. Animal and nature themed bedrooms for kids are an innovative and fun way for your child to explore their imagination and if you’re looking to decorate along these lines then have a look at what’s around at the moment by some of our favourite brands and designers.

Story-time can be made a lot more comfortable and stylish with this range of cosy cushions and beanbag chairs, so that you and your child can sit back, relax and get lost in their favourite storybook.

This marvellous Quentin Blake inspired fabric pattern by Osborne & Little is a wonderful return to some classic children’s books, and is the perfect addition to if you’re sceptical about taking the plunge and going head-to-toe in a wildlife theme.

If you’re searching for a more classic English countryside landscape style then check out this cushion design by Designers Guild. This Happy Campers Kids Cushion with its aged pastel look and delightful little foxes is an adorable design.

This fun beanbag chair by Aspace comes in a wonderful mix-match pattern that would work perfectly in a child’s room, or even in your living room, the little strawberries and kiwis in the pattern are sweet touches as well.

Designers Guild have some lovely wallpapers designed for children’s bedrooms, and my particular favourite is this Daisy Patch design. The pattern is fun and bright enough to get the kid’s approval, and because the design isn’t too childish it means that the wallpaper could last until your child is in their early teens.

There are some really fun and creative animal and nature accessories to play around with when decorating your kid’s bedroom. Aspace has some wonderful ideas to spark your child’s imagination. This Felt Elephant Head is a fun, quirky accessory that both parent and child will love for years!

As is this adorable cloud- shelf idea, it’s both pretty and practical and is a great way to individualise your child’s room.

If you’re looking for something more than simply decorative, have a look at some of the toys by Designers Guild. I love these Carp paper mobiles, so much so I’m tempted to get some for my room! And this wooden wheel-along rabbit toy is both a super stylish and a fun toy. These toys are perfect for your kids’ enjoyment without you having to endure the usual garishness of kids’ toys.

A nature theme can also be incorporated into your child’s learning, whatever stage they may be at. This animal alphabet wall sticker by Feather & Black is a great learning tool, and is still something fun to decorate the walls with and for the kids to look at.

This adorable little tree bookcase from Not On The High Street is both great for storing books and odds and ends as well as being unbelievably cute.

And finally, just for some extra cute factor Not On The High Street is also stocking some sweet little animal head shaped mirrors that will give you and your child hours of entertainment.

So whether you want to dive straight in and immerse yourself in everything nature and wildlife related, or you just want to dip a few toes in the pool, I hope this has given you a few ideas about how to turn your child’s bedroom into a wonderful wild adventure!

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Mini palaces

It is always a dilemma when decorating children’s rooms deciding whether to be very sensible and pick furnishings that will grow up with them or to indulge them (or more honestly yourself) with some of the delightful products available for your little princes and princesses. I have to confess, I have erred more on the side of indulgence in this article – it seems some things are just too cute to resist.

 

Wallpaper is a great way to make a statement and there are loads of adorable options to choose from. Two winners for me are the new Up A Tree wallpaper from Jane Churchill (left) and Cactus Cowboy from Rockett St George.

 

 

 

 

 

Harlequin have some great fabrics for kids and I like Pick N Mix featuring a range of handbags and shoes and Reggie Robot featuring both girl and boy robots, as far as I can tell.

Storage is always vital in a child’s room and I think this open storage from Aspace offers a practical solution that can be adapted as needs change.

For smaller rooms, this high sleeper from Feather and Black is a great solution. A full size single bed, a desk and storage all in one and looks great too.

Bedding makes a bold statement and is also more practical that plain white. This gingham bedding from The White Company comes in five colours including blue and red and you can also buy the adorable long stripy PJs although only in kids sizes sadly.

A place to take the wait off your feet is as important in children’s rooms as it is in your own room. Beanbags are good solution and I love this colourful version from Aspace. Alternatively this mini armchair from The Dormy House looks great and can be upholstered in any of their fabrics, or you can supply your own.

Helping to keep the night demons away, these cute night lights from Graham and Green are a lovely night time companion giving off a soft glow in the room – I just don’t know how you are going to pick which to have.

Designers Guild has loads of great rugs for children, all in their trademark vibrant colours. I think this world map rug is lovely for boys or girls.

So whether your little one is an actual prince or princess, or a mere wannabe, make their rooms into mini palaces and they feel like they are king of the world.

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