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.

Read Full Post »

Sweet Tooth

A neutral or dark tone palette are a beautiful way to style your interiors, and there is nothing like a little pop of bright colour here and there to add some excitement and a refreshing touch to an otherwise colour free room. From oranges to yellows to pinks, a handful of candy colours can really add some flavour to your home.

‘Soufflé Sofa in Lava Plush Velvet’ from Loaf

The great thing about Loaf is that they not only do a great range of styles, but an amazing set of colourful fabrics as well. This fiery Lava velvet has the perfect dose spicy red mixed with a dusty romantic feel. It’s a bold choice, and it can really make a seating area come alive.

Give your dining table an extra zing of colour with these coloured candles from Graham & Green. The fruity shades will look almost as delicious as the food; stick to one bright shade for a harmonious flow, or create a pick ’n’ mix style with the whole range.

‘Tall Coloured Dining Candles’ from Graham & Green

Add a bounce to your neutral sofa or armchair with a zesty coloured cushion like this one from Rockett St George; the acid yellow is soften by the linen texture, and will give your sofa a modern but cosy feel.

‘Lisbon Soft Cushion in Acid Yellow’ from Rockett St George

I can never seem to resist a fluffy accessory or piece of furniture, especially not one in an unusual colour; this furry footstool from Lime Lace is a fun way to add colour to a living room. A small piece of furniture can be a great way to introduce colour as it won’t overpower the room. This Lilac shade is my favourite, but there are a whole load of other colours available as well.

‘Ceri Baa Sheepskin Footstool in Lilac’ from Lime Lace

Curiousa & Curiousa are a fantastic company that have some intriguing designs, and what’s more they are definitely not afraid of colour. This Gobstopper pendant in a lively green will add style and character to a room; giving it a real statement.

‘Gobstopper’ from Curiousa & Curiousa

For a small touch of orange and indigo blue these animal head hooks from Habitat are light-hearted way to give a utility or hallway some colourful fun.

‘Blue Horse Head Hook and Orange Cow Head Hook’ from Habitat

Or go big and bold with this vibrant, shocking pink chest of drawers. It may seem an ambitious choice at first but with the right accessories, this piece will look beautiful in a bedroom.

‘French Louis Chest in Fuchsia’ from Out There Interiors

Sticking to the pink palette is this raspberry rug from Luke Irwin, the deep shades mixed with the softer, faded sections gives the rug a look that isn’t too bright or harsh, making it perfect for adding some colour without it overwhelming the room.

‘Cato Raspberry Rug’ from Luke Irwin

Lastly, a dose of orange gives the concept of a grandfather clock a modern twist. The sharp black and the lively orange together create a clean and crisp look.

‘Orange Wall Hanging Pendulum Clock’ from Lime Lace

 

Adding spots of colour to your interiors is the perfect way to add a little something extra to your clean white, or dark moody scheme, helping you add an element of surprise to your home.

Read Full Post »

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.

Read Full Post »

The Great Outdoors

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning a beautiful garden for the season. From large pieces of furniture to the smaller details, creating a lovely outdoor area means you’re prepared for those rare sunny days and the warm evenings that follow. Whether you want to entertain a crowd or just make a cosy setup for yourself, there are plenty of ways to step up your outdoor game with some wonderful pieces.

‘Somerton Outdoor Dining Set’ from Cox & Cox

Add a little glamour to your alfresco dining by finding a suitable, but stylish table. This Somerton table and benches from Cox & Cox will give both contemporary and rustic elements to your outdoor area. The modern grey is a versatile colour and the long benches mean you can squeeze a few extra people around the table when you have guests over, making it a great table for spontaneous dinner parties. If you don’t need as much space, you can opt for something a little smaller like this Bistro table from Houseology, it’s more modern then your typical Bistro set, meaning you can adapt it to different types of settings.

‘Houseology Collection Grigio Bistro Set in Grey’ from Houseology

To stay out of the shade, and for the ultimate way to show off some style, a parasol is an outdoor must-have. If you’re looking for something really jaw-dropping, Sunbeam Jackie have a beautiful collection of ready-made parasols as well as doing bespoke versions if you really want to tailor it perfectly to your style. This Sunflowers in Blue piece is a gorgeous way to keep cool in the sun.

‘Sunflowers in Blue Parasol’ from Sunbeam Jackie

Another beautiful garden parasol comes from Rockett St George, this beaded piece will transform your back garden into an exotic paradise. It’s a great buy for making a style statement, adding fun and sophistication to your overall look.

‘Boho Beaded Cotton Garden Umbrella’ from Rockett St George

When the evenings get a little cold, gather round a gorgeous fire pit to keep yourself warm. This square aged brazier from Cox & Cox is a wonderful contemporary piece that’ll steal the show in your garden. The unusual shape and style will have people thinking you commissioned it yourself.

‘Square Rusty Brazier’ from Cox & Cox

To make sure you keep the light, a few garden accessories from The White Company are sure to do the trick. These crooks and lanterns will look amazing leading down a pathway or placed on the edge of a patio to give a party the perfect ambient lighting.

‘Metal Crooks and Torch Lanterns’ from The White Company

If you ever need a quick and inexpensive way to create a romantic and dreamy garden setting, fairy lights will never go amiss. This extra-long set from The White Company will allow you to cover your whole garden. Neatly decorate a bush or tree, or give some structural work a little make over like in the picture below; a rustic beam covered in fairy lights and a few branches turn something ordinary into a beautiful decorative charm.

‘Extra Long Fairy Lights’ from The White Company

Create the ideal hangout spot with this sweet crochet hammock from Graham and Green. It’s a great bohemian style and all you need to do is find some cushions to add into the mix and place your hammock in a hidden part of your garden, making it the perfect spot when you want to get away from the world.

‘Crochet Double Hammock’ from Graham & Green

If your garden is lacking a bit of space, you can always create the illusion of more with the use of mirrors; place on the garden wall where it’ll reflect the lawn or a collection of plants and it’ll make your space feel a little bigger. This mirror with some rustic shutters from Cox & Cox will add a bit of old, vintage charm to your garden, giving it its own character.

‘Outdoor Shutter Mirror’ from Cox & Cox

In order to keep your drink close by you on a hot day, you’ll need a few side tables to accompany your outdoor chairs. This bistro style table from Garden Trading is a charming little number that will go with most styles and a great way to finish off a seating area.

‘Rive Droite Bistro Tray Table in Charcoal’ from Garden Trading

For a touch of decorative flair on your outdoor side or coffee table, a few hurricane lanterns will really complete the look. These candle holders from West Elm are the perfect way to dress an outdoor table; the various heights and colours gives depth and range to the collection, making them both stylish and a great way to keep the garden feeling cosy late into the evening.

‘Pure Glass Hurricanes’ from West Elm

While there is always a slim chance that we might not get a sun-filled summer, you can still guarantee a beautiful one with some amazing pieces of outdoor furniture and some charming accessories.

Read Full Post »

The Bed of your Dreams

Like any sane person, I love my bed, and if you don’t love your own bed, there’s a good chance it’s because you haven’t been treating it right. A good bed consists of more than just a nice frame and quality mattress, and though these are essential to getting a good night’s sleep, your bed and its surrounding area shouldn’t just be a matter of function. Kitting your bed area out in the perfect accessories that suit you down to a T will help to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling when you walk into your room and see your bed. From throws, cushions, headboards, linens and even the surrounding furniture, everything plays an integral part of making the space feel like your own and turning it into an area that you can’t wait to get into at night and leaves you feeling happy when you wake up in the morning. Making cosmetic improvements to your bed is a great way to give your room your stamp of personality, while also creating an inviting and relaxing space. Here are some ideas to get you thinking about what you could change and how you could change it, with both high and low budget pieces, so you can treat yourself without upsetting your wallet.

‘Crushed Linen Duvet Set’ from Volga Linen’

That feeling of getting into bed when you have fresh sheets on is lovely, but what’s even better is having a brand new set altogether. It’s a quick and easy way to give your bed a boost in comfort and style. As a personal preference, I like to keep my covers simple to make way for more decorative pieces later, a pastel or white can be the perfect way to lay some foundations when it comes to covering your bed. For high quality, Volga Linen has some wonderful sets in some amazing colours. For linens that still look beautiful, but are a fraction of the cost, H&M Home have some wonderful designs up their sleeve. For the same simple look, the washed linen set are a must-have, and are a good price so it means you can invest in a few sets, in different colours.

‘Washed Linen Duvet Cover Set’ from H&M Home

Adding a headboard to your bed is a great way to give your space a sense of glamour and elegance, turning your bed into to a distinctive feature in your bedroom. Last year we combined a headboard from The Dormy House and fabric from Pierre Frey to create a gorgeous headboard for the master bedroom for one of our clients; the outcome turned an average looking bed to one of my favourite features in the house.

‘Regal Shaped Headboard with Stud Piping’ from The Dormy House with ‘Watom Juane Fabric’ from Pierre Frey

For something that has the same effect as a headboard, but is a lot cheaper, there are some easy ways to create a dramatic look for your bed without the dramatic price tag. With a little DIY you can create a beautiful head for your bed with a pole and a pair of curtains. An example of this is taken from Pinterest, which shows how a simple piece of sheer cloth can add a huge amount of glamour and style to a bed.

Taken from ‘MyDesignerMom’ via Pinterest

Above the designer has used a plain white fabric, but if you want to add in a bit of colour or a pattern, making sure that the fabric is light will mean that the overall look doesn’t get too heavy. These curtain panels from Anthropologie could be a great design to use in this way.

‘Adalet Curtain’ from Anthropologie

Creating a collection of cushions and a throw is a great way to tailor your bed to your own taste; whether that is piles of colourful cushions, or just a few understated ones. If you don’t want to break the bank when you comes to filling out your bed with cushions, many high street home stores have a great range in some interesting designs. I like these pastel, kilim style cushions from Urban Outfitters, they have a contemporary bohemian feel about them and will keep your bedroom looking light and relaxed.

‘Andanda Kilim Cushion’ from Urban Outfitters

To go the full nine yards when it comes to cushions, getting some custom made from some designer fabric will give you bed a luxurious feeling and a personal touch. By choosing this option you can also make sure that you have the exact design you want. There are an abundance of designers out there to choose from, for fun and colourful designs head over to Osborne & Little, they’re fabric patterns are perfect for making a few elaborate and eye-catching cushions; I love these styles from their new Masque collection, the Pageant, Carnival and Jester patterns are great for adding some vibrancy to your bedspread.

From Left to Right: ‘Carnival, Pageant and Jester fabric cushions’ from Osborne & Little

For that extra warmth in the winter and that extra style all year round, the addition of a throw will make your bed look and feel complete. It’s worth investing in a throw that will actually keep you warm as well as looking good on your bed, which needn’t mean spending the earth. Wool, Mohair and Cashmere are the best materials to use, and you can find good quality versions of these for reasonable prices. These Mohair Wool throws from Trouva have wonderful oversized fringing and look super cosy.

‘Cozy Living Forest Green Melange Mohair Wool Throw’ from Trouva

For super high quality and luxuriously soft throws, Biggest Blanket have got a beautiful selection. This Stafford throw has some rich, romantic colours and is perfect for curling up in when winter rears its ugly head again.

‘Stafford Wool and Mohair Throw’ from Biggest Blanket

Placing a rug underneath your bed will help to create a defining area, it can give your bed more of an impact in a room, plus it’ll be a nice treat for your feet in the mornings. Size is key when it comes to rugs, it’s important to make sure that it isn’t too small or it won’t sit right within the room. For high quality and beautifully designed rugs, The Rug Company never fails to impress, I love this Spider design by Neisha Crosland; the pattern has a careful balance between simplicity in colour and intricacy in design so that it will remain a staple and stylish piece in your home.

‘Spider by Neisha Crosland’ from The Rug Company

Unfortunately the bigger the rug, the bigger the cost, and if you don’t want to spend a huge amount of money you’ll need to find a company that can offer you a good sized rug at a reasonable rate. Swoon Editions have some lovely rugs in their collection in decent sizes that can help make the perfect bed area. This Kankare rug has a small pattern in a faded denim colour that can work a few different schemes to create a foundation in the bed area.

‘Kankare Rug in Indigo’ from Swoon Editions

A pair of beautiful bedside tables can frame a bed, adding structure and style to your bedroom. For a mid-century treat, a new addition to Chelsea Textiles furniture collection is this gorgeous piece; it’s elegantly designed with a timeless style that’ll last you for years.

‘Bedside Table Two Drawer, Wicker Handle, Brass Trim & Legs’ from Chelsea Textiles

If you want to save a bit of money, but still maintain some style, there are loads of less expensive options to choose from; this Ikea piece in a bright yellow will make a sweet touch to a bedroom, adding a splash of fun colour.

‘Hemnes Bedside Table in Yellow’ from Ikea

Finally, the way to finishing off your dream bed area, is with some lighting. The bedside lighting needs to be suitably chosen, having to accommodate functional needs like reading, but also creating a relaxing atmosphere as you get ready for bed. Keep things simple with this modern looking lamp from Habitat.

‘Dylan Table Lamp in Natural’ from Habitat

If you like things a little more flamboyant, this playful lamp from Graham & Green could be just the thing needed to complete a fun and bohemian styled bedroom. The birds are a wacky edition that will proudly show off your style.

‘Volieres Bird Cage Lamp’ from Graham & Green

When it comes to decorating your bed and its neighbouring areas, you have the luxury of getting to be a little selfish. It’s a place that’s just for you, or you and your partner. Many other spaces in the room have to accommodate guests, other family members, or be styled in a way that suits everyday life, but as for your bed, you can turn this area into a space that’s your perfect hideaway, just the way you want it.

Read Full Post »

What are you Light?

Lighting is an integral part of any design scheme, it’s not only about getting the right form of lighting for a room (ambient, task, accent) but also choosing a fitting that will work perfectly with the look and style of your chosen scheme. There are so many options available when it comes to light fittings, from small and minimal to big and dramatic, that it can all seem a little overwhelming at times. But you don’t have to settle for the ordinary or the expected, instead choose to make your lighting the talking point of your home, no matter what your style. I’ve pulled together some ideas in six different styles to inspire you and your lighting needs.

‘Brompton Size 3 Anthracite Glass Pendant’ from Original BTC

If you have a minimal scheme running through your house, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to interrupt this look by adding in some flamboyant lighting pieces. Going for simple pendants doesn’t mean you need to settle for plain. This pendant like from Original BTC is just stunning, it’s a simple design but the use of the black instead of a typical glass pendant gives it an edge over other similar pieces. Featured against a crisp white wall will create a strong, but low-key statement in your home.

‘Atto Pendant’ from Benchmark

These pendants from Benchmark have a modern Scandinavian feel about them. The slits in the shade give the wooden structure a light feel, making it ideal for a minimally dressed room, and depending on the colour scheme, you can use the natural, white or black finish. They’ll make a great addition to a light, airy, modern space.

The industrial trend has been a popular choice in the interior design world over the past few years, with the style showing up in furniture, accessories and lighting. It’s a strong look and with the right building and attitude, can be pulled off to perfection, but it’s important to make sure the trend doesn’t engulf you. To add hints of the style into your lighting, opting for designs that are less obviously industrial will make any future transitions easier to accommodate, you can also apply subtle industrial features to a scheme without completely changing it. I really like this Anglepoise original lamp that’s been given a cosmetic lift with some industrial style additions. The brass accents and the black shade gives the contemporary lamp an industrial undertone.

‘Original 1227 Brass Desk Lamp’ from Anglepoise

For an industrial style pendant that will stay in style for years to come, blending it with some contemporary elements is a failsafe option. This Edison bulb is caged by some modern wiring and along with the addition of some coppery tones, it gives the pendant a well-rounded contemporary look, which would give an industrial scheme a breath of fresh air and a contemporary scheme a hint of that vintage vibe.

‘Juba Caged Pendant Light’ from Clippings

When opting for a contemporary style of lighting, it’s your chance to get a bit creative and turn traditional ideas on their head. A chandelier for example might be considered a traditional style, but today there are many modern designs that adopt its look. This cluster chandelier from Fritz Fryer gives the term a whole new meaning, the translucent shades and the bright red cables name together wonderfully to create a sharp, sophisticated look. It’s a design that would look amazing in a high-ceilinged hallway, making a strong feature to any house.

‘Upton Ceramic Multi Pendant Cluster Chandelier’ from Fritz Fryer

’90° Home’ from Artemide

A floor lamp is not only a great way to light up a dark corner, but can also make its own style statement. It contemporary piece from Artemide oozes with confidence, with a futuristic element to finish off the look. The streamline design could be paired with a sharp, masculine interior to really show it off.

Lighting in a traditionally styled space can be utilised to give the area a clean, fresh and punchy impact. Table lamps in a traditional setting can be the perfect way to add some detailing to a room, the patterned vase from the Abbeywood design from Vaughan has a lovely traditional feel to it, and it kept fresh with a crisp white shade. The elegant piece would look great as a pair on two end tables in a living room.

‘Abbeywood Vase Table Lamp’ from Vaughan

If you have a period property, or want to add some traditional glamour, a dramatic ceiling light can add character and really cement a room’s style. This chandelier from Bella Figura has a classic style and refined nature to it, giving a room a sense of understated grandness. A hallway could be an ideal spot for this piece, making sure you have something eye-catching when you first walk in to the house.

‘Leonardo Ball Chandelier’ from Bella Figura

With a bohemian, eclectic style there is always the challenge of making sure a room isn’t so overloaded with patterns, styles and things that it loses its stylish essence. Incorporating a vibrant lamp into the mix can be a good way to incorporate colour and pattern in a small way instead of large pieces everywhere. Pooky is a fantastic lighting company that has some lovely, bohemian style lamps to hand. They’re the perfect colourful finishing touches to really make a room pop. I love this hand-blown Iris base with a fun shade to go with it, creating a great blend of sophisticated colours in a playful nature.

‘Iris Table Lamp in Turquoise’ from Pooky

‘Decofabulous Pedant Shade’ from Rockett St George

A tasselled lampshade might have once been something you found in your grandma’s house, the shade an unsightly floral pattern and the tassels old and frayed. But these pendants are reinventing the style and giving something fun and wacky back. The luxurious gold tassels contrasted against the abstract shade design gives you a perfect Boho chic shade to add into your home.

When done well, a glamorous style home can look breath-taking, but it’s a theme that needs the right confidence to pull off. Lighting is a great way to add in some beautiful finishing touches for a glamorous setting. A glamorous interior usually consists of dark hues and metallics, so add in a hint of luxurious colours with something like this Amelia table lamp from Heathfield. The wonderful glass base is framed with gold accents giving it a rich, elegant feel.

‘Amelia Table Lamp’ from Heathfield

‘Manor Wall Sconce’ from Graham & Green

I love this beaded wall sconce from Graham & Green, it’s a really original way to use wall lights as a strong design feature, making a smart, elegant and glamorous light fixtures for your scheme.

Finding the right lighting that suits your home, style and yourself can not only create a beautiful atmosphere in your home, but give your style a little lift, making everything just that little bit brighter.

Read Full Post »

Velvet Treasures

Over the past few years velvet has featured heavily in the interior design world, and we love it! A great way to give a house, room, sofa, bed or anything a new spring of life is with the addition of something velvety. What’s more there are some great ways to get creative with the material, so if you think you might have a little soft spot for velvet here are some great ways to dress up your house in the stuff!

For some, velvet can be initially a little overwhelming, by its very nature it’s quite a dramatic fabric, especially compared to a linen or cotton. But this drama can either be played up or down depending on your preference, and mixing the fabric with a variety of designs or colours means you can integrate the texture with other factors in a room scheme easily and smoothly. If you want to start off slowly, you can never go wrong with a few velvet cushions to brighten up a sofa, armchair or bed. For a little bit of subtly, opt for a neutral colour, like these mink coloured cushions from Cox & Cox, play around with the different sizes and eventually add in some more complementary colours to go with them.

‘Velvet and Linen Cushions in Mink’ from Cox & Cox

Next add in this delicious creation from Timorous Beasties via Houseology, the bee motif is an iconic Timorous Beasties design and gold contrasted against its dark velvet background offers a dramatic spin on a comfy cushion. It’ll look wonderful popping out against a crisp white sofa, or enhance a romantic atmosphere mixed in with some dark and moody colours.

‘Napoleon Bee Cushion by Timorous Beasties’ from Houseology

If you’re looking for the perfect snuggly material for the remaining winter months, and probably the-not-so-warm spring ones, a velvet throw will turn an average bed into one fit for royalty. This pin-tucked throw from Cox & Cox is gorgeous and comes in this dreamy, timeless sage colour.

‘Velvet and Linen Pin-Tucked Quilt in Sage’ from Cox & Cox

Velvet is a great fabric to add to a traditional style interior, and the glamour can help a room look a hundred times more sophisticated. This button quilted Enya chair from Graham & Green is all about old school Hollywood style, and can transform a room, giving it that lift it’s been in need of, the velvet will catch the light in a wonderful way, giving it extra vibrancy, especially against more muted tones and fabrics.

‘Enya Relaxing Chair’ from Graham & Green

Velvet doesn’t just go with traditional style rooms and furniture, in fact incorporating a modern design with velvet is a great way to balance out the fabric’s dramatic nature. This velvet dining chair has a distinct Nordic style it and the combination of the plush velvet with the modern legs gives an interesting vibe that would give your dining room an individual look.

‘Velvet Button Dining Chair in Blue’ from Out There Interiors

The same goes for these fantastic revived Mid-Century designs distributed by Rose & Grey, and made by 366 Concepts. This rocking chair design takes its inspiration from Jozef Chierowski’s original Easy Chair, with the modern edition of the rocking feature. The Mid-Century wooden frame mixed together with the velvet upholstery creates an exciting, dynamic look.

‘Jozef Chierowski 366 Rocking Chair Velvet’ from Rose & Grey

Another wonderful design from the Rose & Grey and 366 Concept is this occasional chair originally designed by Teofil Halas in 1963. The smoky grey colour gleams in the sunlight and pairs perfectly with the tones of the wood frame. It brings about a balance between low-key elegance and distinctive design can will really set your interiors apart from the rest.

‘Velvet Halas Dining Chair’ from Rose & Grey

Heals have a wonderful sofa bed in stock at the moment, which reinvents the concept of a Chesterfield sofa. The Chesterfield is a classic design that can be worked into all sorts of interior schemes, the gorgeous sofa bed offers the same style in a contemporary way, it’s available in leather but I think the velvet version is the way to go. Shown below, its styled perfectly with some vibrant yellows and some extra velvet cushions if you just can’t get enough.

’40 Winks Sofa Bed’ from Heal’s

Speaking of yellow, I think I may have fallen in love with the colour of this super footstool from Swoon Editions. The velvet looks divine in its honey mustard colour, and would make a bold statement against some more neutral, contemporary surroundings, or even add a little spice mixed into a traditional setting. If you like the idea of velvet furnishing, but aren’t ready to invest in one of the larger pieces just yet, getting something smaller like a footstool is a great way to test the velvet waters.

‘Tivoli Footstool in Honey’ from Swoon Editions

A velvet effect rug will not only look luxurious but feel it too, a real treat for your eyes and your feet! This rug from Designers Guild is utterly beautiful. The interlocking patterns create an amazing textural effect giving depth and tone to the look of the rug. It’s the ideal solution when you want a simple rug that isn’t flat in appearance.

‘Roxburgh Rug in Moleskin’ from Designers Guild

For a little Art Nouveau touch to your velvet and your interiors, this golden flamingo lamp with a royal blue velvet shade will add a pinch of over the top frippery that all rooms need a little sprinkling of from time to time.

‘Metal Flamingo Table Lamp’ from Rockett St George

From beds to sofas to floors, adding a touch of velvet to an interior will give a scheme some wholehearted dramatic flair, which will not only make your home look fabulous but feel soft, plush and beautiful!

Read Full Post »

Greener Pastures

For 2017, Pantone’s colour of the year is Greenery, and although we don’t always like to revert to the on-trends thing when it comes to designing interiors, it’s always fun to see how you can make colours work within your home. Since this years ‘It’ colour is kind of a tricky one, we thought we’d show you some great ways to include it into your home through some lovely accessories.

The key to incorporating on-trend colours within your home is to make sure that the products you buy still have a timeless element to them, whether it’s in their style, shape or function, so that they can go on being used and looking good when their colour is less fashionable.

‘Green and Beige Herringbone Throw’ from Not on the High Street

This throw from Not on the High Street has a classic herringbone pattern, which will always be a staple style, and the blend of beige against the green gives the throw a slightly muted, rustic tone, allowing the throw to work with a whole range of interior styles and colour schemes.

If you have a beautiful dark wood dining table and you’re looking to add a pop of colour, some green upholstered chairs might just do the trick. These velvet and studded chairs from Oka are a wonderful, timeless mossy green which will continue to look elegant throughout the years, and paired with a long wooden table and a dramatic colour on the walls, your dining room will look fit for a feast.

‘Stafford Velvet Dining Chair in Putting Green’ from Oka

Using saucer style pendants for kitchen lighting has been a key look since the return of the industrial style a few years ago, and mixing in a bit of colour is a great way to reinvent your kitchen without having to remodel. These ceramic shades from Graham & Green are the perfect way to add a little life to a tired looking light fixture.

‘Green Saucer Pendant Lampshade’ from Graham & Green

To complement your green lightshade, add an extra dash of the colour with this retro sixties style pea pod tea towel from Thornback & Peel. It’s always important to add a little fun into your interiors to keep everything flowing and light-hearted and though this print might be a little much on a sofa, it’s a fantastic print to give your kitchen a sense of playfulness.

‘Pea Pod Tea Towel’ from Thornback & Peel

When we think of smart contemporary style, we might be tempted to think monotone shades, but throwing in a colourful shade or two can really give your interiors an innovative look. This lacquered green side table from Houseology paired with a moody grey velvet sofa and a crisp white wall would create a fantastic, complete look.

‘Normann Copenhagen Stay Table’ from Houseology

Made by craftsmen in Morocco, these recycled glass tumblers from Rockett St George would make a great addition to any existing collection of glassware. Their overall style makes them smart enough for a formal dinner party, but the individual imperfections to each tumbler gives them a flair that will cut out the matchy-matchy nature of glassware. Not only will they look lovely laid out on a table, but they’ll just as nice as they glistening in the sunlight displayed in a cabinet or dresser.

‘Recycled Glass Tumbler in Green Small’ from Rockett St George

Stick to a natural aesthetic when choosing your green accessories with this interesting artificial moss spray from Graham & Green. A contemporary alternative to a bouquet of flowers, or an unusual addition to an arrangement using some moss in your interior can create a bold look. Adding some to a vase placed on the window sill in a pale coloured bathroom will add an exciting touch.

‘Faux Moss Spray’ from Graham & Green

Adding a few small touches is an easy way to get started on introducing a colour to your interior, especially if bright interiors are a little out of your comfort zone. Changing something small, like the doorknobs on your cabinet, drawer or dresser, can give a piece of furniture and the room it’s in a new look. This floral knob from Anthropologie is a sweet little touch and if you don’t want to overload on the green, you can always use a few of the pink design as well, creating a wonderful horticultural effect.

‘Floraculture Knobs’ from Anthropologie

Another small change you can make is with these exciting coasters, by their very nature each one of them is different, meaning you’re guaranteed originality with your set. You can use them by themselves for a bedside table for an interesting effect or grouped together on a coffee table to really create an impact.

‘Celestial Coasters’ from Anthropologie

Using a bold colour like green in your home can be a little daunting but there are a great deal of ways to not only have fun with the colour but invest in some wonderful pieces that will look amazing in your home for a long time to come. So choose rightly and you’ll have everyone green with envy.

Read Full Post »

Christmas is Coming!

Whether you rejoice at the news that Christmas is just around the corner, or tremble with a little disbelief at how fast the year has gone, there’s no denying that the festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace it with with some fab decorations. I tend to pull a bit of a face at the masses of tinsel you usually find adorning every possible surface at this times of year and other conventional styles of decorating you home, so this year I wanted to make it my mission to find some decorations that not only are full of festive glamour, but could also be worked into an interior all year round. Whatever your style there’s something for everyone that’ll turn your home into an ultra-glam setting 365 days of the year.

If you’re not into your traditional red and green Christmas colours, opting for a crisp all-white theme will really add some style to your home this year. A great way to make sure that your decorations are suitable for all year round use, is to find pieces that don’t follow a seasonal motif too closely. These paper stars from Rose & Grey are contemporary way to kit out your home. Hang them from a high ceiling to make a fairy-tale style feeling, and pair with these lovely lanterns from Rockett St George to really get into the spirit. Once the Christmas season is over, the paper lanterns are the perfect decorations to create a dreamy bohemian-style room, or to dress up a child’s bedroom.

‘Nine Point Paper Stars’ from Rose & Grey.

‘Set of Three Paper Lanterns’ from Rockett St George

This carved skull from Angel & Boho is perfect for all year round use. It’s a fun and interesting way to play around with the animal head trend, the carving detail is a sweet addition, and the bright white colour means that you’re free to add some individuality to yourself, even decorating it horns with some tinsel if you really wanted!

‘Tribal Carved Skull’ from Angel & Boho

For a little rustic charm, a few rattan stars from Holly’s House are sure to do the trick, they’ll look great on a shelf or mantel, surrounded by some fairy lights at any time of the year.

‘Set of Three Natural Rattan Deco Stars’ from Holly’s House

To give your home a touch of luxury this Christmas time, why not go for some decorations that are full to the brim with glamour and exotic style. If you’re less into shepherds and sheep and more into glitzy, romantic settings something like this lanterns from Angel & Boho are perfect. Surround a dining room table for an extra special Christmas meal, or dot around various surfaces for Christmas drinks, and then for a dramatic and romantic year just simply keep them there!

‘Tall Filigree Lantern’ from Angel & Boho

‘Venezia Oversized Gilded Lantern’ from Angel & Boho

The ideal companion for some striking lanterns, are some extravagant candlesticks. You can mix and match the lanterns and candlesticks around the room to create a beautiful, romantic setting, or fill a table up with a wonderful arrangement of candlesticks to set the tone. This set from Graham & Green come in all different sizes, which is a good idea if you don’t want your arrangement to look too stiff. Their antiqued glass style can work with various existing styles from bohemian to traditional to glamourous contemporary.

‘Mercury Antiqued Glass Candleholders’ from Graham & Green

Decoration doesn’t have to always be about adding extra drama to your interiors, it’s also a great way show off your fun side and add little hints of quirk and playfulness to a room without going overboard. This Llama from Graham & Green is just the ticket if you want to have a good laugh this Christmas (and everyday afterwards!), and is a good twist on a traditional reindeer. It’s perfect for hanging decorations off of and for being a wonderful decoration itself. It’ll make a great addition to your home if you enjoy not taking life too seriously, positioned over a fireplace or perhaps a bed.

‘Pom Pom Llama Mount’ from Graham and Green

These painted hearts from Re-Found Objects will make wonderful colourful decorations this festive season, and can go on to brighten up your home afterwards. For Christmas time, place them in a more concentrated area, decorating a dresser, or staircase. For the rest of the year, a collection of them would make a lovely touch scattered around a wall, it’ll add a youthful and fresh take to your home, plus they’d go rather nicely with the llama!

‘Hand Painted Hearts’ from Re-Found Objects

If you like fun festive decorations, and want to find a quirky alternative to tinsel, you might want to take a look at finding some pom poms! They are absolutely everywhere these days, so you’re bound to find some in a style to your liking. These red and orange poms from The Conran Shop are oh so cute, but they use contemporary colours, therefore avoiding an overly twee feeling.

‘Pom Pom Garland Festival’ from The Conran Shop

At Christmas time, you can get away with going a little overboard if you fancy, and if you like going all out over the holidays, chances are you probably like doing it all year round too. If you want to add a bit of nature to your interiors, you might not want to stop at just a Christmas tree. These indoor outdoor trees from Cox & Cox are adorable and add a theatrical element to a room without being too dark or mysterious. They can be used inside to get into the holiday spirit, and then when the New Year comes by, place them outside to really enchant your garden.

‘Indoor Outdoor Birch Trees’ from Cox & Cox

The same can be said for these lights from Cox & Cox, use them to decorate your interiors over Christmas and then afterwards they can be used to light up a garden, or transform an archway.

‘Indoor Outdoor Twinkle Light Garland’ from Cox & Cox

There are all sorts of way to create a wonderful winter land this Christmas, and even more ways to get creative and make magical interiors all year round!

Read Full Post »

Cosy Autumn Nights

Maybe it’s my imagination, or maybe I’m just ready for the autumn weather, but as soon as it turns September I feel a little nip in the air. While that may fill some people with sadness, I’m always secretly a little happy, autumn is my second favourite season after spring so I always welcome it with open arms. Making the transition from hot summer evenings to chillier autumn ones can always be made a whole lot smoother if you’re prepared, having your throws, cushions and snuggly furniture ready will mean that you’ll be looking forward to those evening curled up on the sofa instead of out in the garden. I’ve pulled together some wonderful products that’ll make those autumn nights even more tempting.

Finding a marvellous throw for the colder part of the year will not only keep you warm, but instantly make a sofa or bed look revitalised. Picking the best material for your throw is a job within itself, Merino wool is made from the Merino sheep, mainly in Australia, and is incredibly soft! I love this patterned throw from Wool Me, the red and green design will pop next to a pale coloured sofa, or help create a moody feel on a dark shade.

‘Red Green Merino Wool Throw Marta’ from Wool Me

If you’re looking for a throw that is outrageously soft, you can’t go wrong with a Mohair throw. Heal’s currently have a Mohair throw in five gorgeous colourways, but my particular favourite this the pastels shade. It looks perfect spread across a bed just like below but would look equally fabulous draped over an armchair when not in use.

‘Mohair Throw’ from Heal’s

Those nights where you’re inside watching a film, or reading a book instead of enjoy a summer’s evening can be made a whole lot easier when you have a wonderfully comfy sofa or armchair to curl up on. Loaf have produced a collection of sofas and armchairs, or as they lovingly call them ‘squishy’ chairs, that look like the King and Queens of comfort! Two of my favourite looks from their collection are the Snuggalump sofa and the Crumpet armchair, they both have extra thick cushions so you can get yourself well and truly comfy in one of these.

‘Snuggalump Sofa’ from Loaf

‘Crumpet armchair’ from Loaf

If you’re all set for sofas, but are still looking for something to snuggle up in, this cocoon from Graham & Green may be your sort of thing. Its design is perfect for anyone who loves playful and contemporary pieces, and if you love vegging out on a Sunday afternoon!

‘Zig Zag Cocoon Chair’ from Graham & Green

Getting your interiors ready for autumn doesn’t necessarily mean you need to kit your home out in those typical autumn colours, if you prefer the bright and bold scheme then go for it! Cushions are a quick and fun way to inject a bit of colour into your interior, plus they’ll really spruce up a room with minimal effort. These Frida cushions from Graham & Green are fantastic, they use abstract imagery of the iconic artist (and her parrots!) to create some playful cushions. Use intermittently in a set of scatter cushions or go all out and use all in a row to really make a statement.

‘Appliqued Character Cushions’ from Graham & Green

If you fancy something a little less bright but just as fun, head over to Trouva for this snazzy tassel cushion. It’s ideal to give a space some character, and a hint of Mediterranean feel.

‘Turquoise Tassel Kelim Cushion’ from Trouva

A great way to make your bedroom feel extra comfy for autumn is with a new bedspread, although it may not make it any easier to get out of bed in the morning! I absolutely love this velvet and linen bedspread from Niki Jones, it looks like you could wrap yourself up in it all day!

‘Velvet Linen Bedspread’ from Niki Jones

If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, this beautiful duvet set from Houseology cannot be missed! The wisteria pattern will help you get through the colder months as you dream of summer.

‘Bluebellgray Wisteria Bed Linen’ from Houseology

Autumn is on the horizon and whether you’re happy or sad about it, one thing you can’t argue with is how much fun you’re going to have creating your perfect snuggly autumn retreat!

Read Full Post »