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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Bathe in the Glory

The bathroom is an essential part of any home, and a great place to insert some thoughtful styling. Whether it needs to be a place to relax or to have a sense of organisation, or be a room where you can let your creativity run a little wild, designing a bathroom that works in sync with your personality and needs means making the most out of the functional space. You may have just designed your dream bathroom and are now looking for those finishing touches to make it feel like your own space, or perhaps you’re like me who’s about to move into a house with a less than desirable bathroom and are in desperate need of accessories to improve the situation! There are some interesting ways to utilise your bathroom space and turn it into something of a sanctuary.

Bathroom Decorated in Plants found on Pinterest by user Katy101

For me the bathroom is a great place to keep plants, all that oxygen in the morning has got to be good for you, right? This image gives me all the incentive I need for a beautiful, overflowing plant haven. If you’re fully willing to participate in the plant-bathroom combo but are lacking some much needed space, a little window sill full of foliage can do the job nicely. I love this image below and how the green of the plants brings out the colour in the tiles, giving a warm welcoming feel to the space.

An Array of Pots on a Window Sill by Design Sponge via Pinterest

To recreate some of these looks you’ll need some gorgeous pots and planters (and of course the plants too!) Maison du Monde have a nice selection of hanging planters, an interesting way to display your plants, it’s also great to introduce more plants to your bathroom without taking up a lot of floor or wall space.

Selection of Hanging Pots from Maison du Monde

For a natural feeling to your pots, this earthenware collection by The White Company are a great range of colours and textures, as well as size, making them perfect for filling up with a whole variety of plants and flowers for your bathroom. They’ll sit nicely on a window sill or if you have the floor space, arranging some on the floor, stools and surfaces to create mixture of heights will give a lovely overall look.

Earthenware Collection from The White Company

Storage is a must-have in a bathroom, whether or not you have a lot of room to play with, there are ways to find space even when you thought you had none. If you can’t add any permanent solutions to your bathroom, you’ll be able to find a great range of non-permanent ideas to accommodate your needs. If you live in a rented house, and don’t have the option of changing your bathroom to your own style, you can use your storage to do this. This shelving unit from Ikea is simple and contemporary, and can let your accessories do all the talking. It’s an easy item to adapt to any style that your bathroom may already be designed in.

Molgar Shelving from Ikea via Pinterest

This glass cabinet is a great piece to have if you’ve got some room. It looks more like a display case than an ordinary bathroom cabinet, making a feature in the room, and allowing you show off your ornaments and accessories.

Bathroom Cabinet from Katie Hackworth via Pinterest

If you are really lacking in space, a small trolley with a few shelves is a sweet idea. This little number from Baileys lends itself to the industrial style, and would look great with a few plants hanging over the edge.

‘Work in Progress Trolley’ from Baileys Home and Garden

 

Wire Basket Storage from Decorating Your Small Space via Pinterest

I love the use of these wire baskets in this image, they’re a contemporary version of the woven basket that you so often find in a bathroom. They keep the space feeling light, whilst still being very useful. These copper versions from Habitat have a great shape and will keep your things organised in style.

‘Clissold Wire Baskets’ from Habitat

Another quick way to add some personality, as well as some organisation, is with a few trays, to help keep your products and toiletries at bay. I love this hexagonal wooden tray, it works as a blank canvas to show off any pretty toiletries or perfumes you might have.

Bathroom Tray from Kate Lavie via Pinterest

This metal tray from H&M Home is so sweet and has some lovely detailing in the border. A few of them would look great lined up on a shelf of a window sill with a few vases of flowers between each one or at the end.

Metal Tray by H&M Home

Accessorising your bathroom is a lovely way to give your space that extra added boost of style. It allows you to redecorate your bathroom even if you can’t really redecorate, turning the room into your own, individual space where you can really make your mark.

 

 

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The Wicker Way

You may have thought that wicker and rattan had their heyday a long time ago, but we think they’re just getting started. The materials are appearing more and more in homeware designs and are frankly rather quite stylish. If you’re a fan of wicker or rattan but are unsure of how to incorporate them into your home, check out a few of these ideas.

‘Nogu Eye-shaped Vintage Rattan Mirror’ from La Redoute

This interestingly shaped mirror frame from La Redoute is a great way to include rattan in a bohemian themed room. There’s a sense of relaxed seventies décor to the piece, and would be a fun and eye-catching piece to have in a bedroom or living room.

A popular way to including wicker or rattan into a design scheme these days is with lighting, which can create a warm and inviting space. The use of Rattan in these shades from Nkuku allows the shape of the lighting to do all the talking, the perfect way to give a seating area a cosy feel.

‘Beru Rattan Lampshades’ from Nkuku

The form of this wicker pendant light from Maison du Monde, shows how the material can be incorporated into a modern, mid-century style home, plus it adds extra drama to a room with its intriguing shadow.

‘Jade Green Wicker Pendant’ from Maison du Monde

To use wicker in a more conventional way, but with a contemporary edge, I love these baskets from Luke Arthur Wells. The space between the reeds gives them a modern feel over a traditionally woven one, perfect for storing bits and bobs in.

‘Basket Nest Set’ from Luke Arthur Wells

I love the aqua frame that’s been added to this rattan bench from Oliver Bonas, giving the design a modern and fresh feel. With the addition of a few cushions it’s a great way to reinvent the wicker chairs and sofas found in conservatories or outdoors.

‘Miroco Rattan Bench’ from Oliver Bonas

Rattan has been given a distressed romantic look with this bedside table from Swoon Editions. The bedside is the perfect companion for a glamorous, vintage-feel bedroom.

‘Albie Bedside Table’ from Swoon Editions

Pair these chairs from Habitat with this bar stool from Rockett St George, for a dramatic black wood and rattan weave combination; which look striking against one another. It’ll add a sense of contemporary rustic feel to a kitchen and dining area.

‘Oregan Black Chair with Natural Cord Seat’ from Habitat

‘Moroccan Natural Black Rattan Bar Stool’ from Rockett St George

If you’re really feeling wild, this flamboyant headboard from La Redoute really packs a punch; perfect if you love glam bohemian style with an impact.

‘Tio Rattan Headbord’ from La Redoute

Wicker and rattan don’t always have to come in large forms of furniture; sometimes the devils in the details, and these home accessories are rather sweet. This glass and carafe from Rose & Grey have a great safari style element to them, giving an ordinary household item an unusual design.

‘Wicker and Glass Cup and Carafe’ from Rose & Grey

These metal wire baskets with some wicker frame detailing a super sweet combination of rustic and industrial style. Great for storing food in the kitchen, or documents in the study.

‘Koba Bowl Square’ from Nkuku

Keep your laundry somewhere stylish with one of these colourful baskets from Maison du Monde, which are a great way to add a little fun to a bedroom.

‘Wicker Baskets in Yellow and Green’ from Maison du Monde

Big or small, wicker is an adaptable material to use in your home, working with all sorts of themes. Whether you want to dress up a bedroom, or storage area, or add some new lighting, there are some fun and interesting ways to include wicker and rattan to your home.

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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.

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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.

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The Gift of Giving

In light of Mother’s Day coming up, and any other occasion where you need a thoughtful gift, opting for something from the homeware department can go a lot further than just a scented candle. Buying gifts for the home can be a great way to give something that’s long lasting, sentimental and unique. Whether it’s a house warming present, a birthday or holiday, or just something to show someone you care, a thoughtful home accessory can be the perfect gesture.

There are two ways you can look at it when it comes to gifting home accessories to a close friend or family member; adding to their already existing theme of pieces and ornaments, or giving them something a little outside their comfort zone, something they wouldn’t ever get themselves. When giving homewares there is a chance to get creative, have a little fun and give a touching present.

Typically, when it comes to the big touches in a home, the owner will want to make that call on their own, so when giving homeware as a gift it’s all about the small, but special touches. This sweet blackbird tea towel from Angel & Boho is an ideal gift; the adorable print takes away the functionality aspect of the gift, making it a great addition to a kitchen, to be displayed as a bohemian design feature.

‘Blackbird Tea Towel’ from Angel & Boho

Sticking to the bird theme, a simple way to add some life to a garden is with a bird feeder. This rustic piece from Catesby’s is the perfect way to decorate a garden and entice from real birds as well. The piece is great for adding a little charm to an individual tree or a small garden or balcony area.

‘Hanging Bird Feeder’ from Catesby’s

The great thing about giving or receiving homeware as presents is that it’s an opportunity to get an item that you might not be able to justify getting for yourself. Buying something fun, with perhaps just a hint of kitsch that makes a fabulous finishing touch to a home. I love these pin-up candlestick holders from Ark, ideal for putting a smile on someone’s face and lighting up an area of the home, perhaps a table or dresser, giving the space a bit of humour and life.

‘Show Girl Candlesticks’ from Ark

As with many people my age, I’m just being to start a collection of homeware pieces that I’ll (hopefully) treasure forever, so receiving items that I can add to this assembly of ornaments is a great way to give the collection some diversity and give myself new ideas about what I like. Pieces like these multi-coloured candle holders from Habitat are quite a particular style, but if you have someone you know will love them, or someone you think can take on the challenge then they’re a great, creative gift that goes a step further than the typical candle themed gift.

‘Odela Multi-Coloured Ceramic Candleholder’ from Habitat

My mother has always had a love for flowers and nature, whether it’s in the garden or in the home, so giving her pots and vases has always been a sure-fire way of getting her something she likes (and will use), whilst still being able to get her something with an unexpected design or style. This speckled jug from Catesby’s is a versatile piece that can be used as its primary function, or as a vase. It would make a great accompaniment for some fresh spring Daffodils, with the electric blue and yellow contrasting perfectly.

‘Speckle Ware Jug’ from Catesby’s

For more of a rustic feel, these antique French pots from Baileys would make amazing gifts, for vases, planters or just ornaments. The individual nature of them means that you can give a few in an array of shapes, styles and colours.

‘Old French Poitiers Pottery’ from Baileys

If you have a friend, or maybe a son or daughter who has recently bought their first home, or renting their first grown up flat, they may need a few things to help get them started. Whilst a lot of necessities can be bought from places like Ikea, buying some pieces that can give the home a few special touches can make great presents, especially if it’s for someone who can’t justify getting it for themselves. A simple bowl like this one from French Connection is a great starter piece for those finding their style footing. It’ll look great against some simple chinaware sets and begin to add some character to a home.

‘Green Stone Bowl’ from French Connection

On the contrary, if you know this person has quite an experimental kind of style, and is always keen to try new things and be surprised, an item like this flamboyant tray from Porcupine Rocks is not only a fantastic gift, but also full of flair, making it a real statement piece.

‘Shine Shine Tiger Tray’ from Porcupine Rocks

Finally, if you’re searching for a gift for someone that already has it all, then something frivolous and fun may be just the ticket. This lollipop holder from Jonathan Adler ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a present with a sense of humour, individuality and a hint of madness. It makes the perfect addition to an already fruitful collection of eclectic ornaments.

‘Mohawk Lollipop Holder’ from Jonathan Adler

Buying gifts for loved ones is a great way to express your appreciation from them, and give them something they’ll love. Deciding to give them homeware means choosing something that they can treasure forever, giving sentiment to their home and help add to the collection of wonderful items. Whether it’s an antique item, something a little outside of their comfort zone, something sweet or an item that encourages them to walk on the wild side of interior design, there is so much fun to be had with picking out gifts, you’ll just have to refrain from keeping them all yourself!

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It Was All Yellow

As with all colours, there are hundreds of shades in the yellow family, and sometimes the thought of using the bolder, brighter shades can be intimidating due to their strong look. But if you’re looking for an alternative to the neutral, or darker palettes that are around these days, yellow may be the perfect colour for you, especially if you want to show off a strong, confident style in your interiors. Though the colour has always been popular in the design world, in recent years yellow interiors, furniture and accessories have been making quite an impact, especially in those brighter shades. There are lots of exciting ways to incorporate yellow into your home, that can really showcase a particular style; whether it’s contemporary, glamorous, bohemian, traditional, or a combination. Adding a dash of yellow could be the way to bring a refreshing, exciting look to your home.

Using a bright yellow on the walls of your home may be a touch overwhelming if you’re a yellow novice, but if you’re already a fan, it’s a fantastic way to create a statement. The trick is finding your perfect shade to suit your home, and choosing the right complementary accents to create a well-rounded, flawless look. To keep your wall looking fresh opt for a rich shade that won’t shy away into the background. For a contemporary look, I love the dramatic but playful nature of Farrow & Ball’s Babouche shade.

‘Babouche’ from Farrow & Ball

And if you’re in need of a more traditional shade, the Sudbury Yellow has an elegant and regal nature that will give a room a strong sense of character, without overshadowing any other wonderful features you may want to put in there.

‘Sudbury Yellow’ from Farrow & Ball

Another way to add yellow into the core foundations of the home’s design scheme is with some creative tiling. Fired Earth always have a strong collection of interesting colours and patterns, and some of their yellow tiles are to die for. For a bold, exciting look, these vibrant mustard coloured tiles are the perfect background against a crisp, white bathroom set. There’s a combination of luxuriousness and quirkiness about the colour that creates an overall refreshing look.

‘Carnival Oro’ from Fired Earth

If a solid block colour is a little too much for your taste, or your home, going for something a little sweeter and more minimal might do the trick. This Atlas design by Neisha Crosland for Fired Earth has a rustic, farmhouse vibe, but with a little exotic twist to keep things interesting. It’s an ideal design if you want to have a traditional looking kitchen, but with a touch artistic individuality to it.

‘Atlas by Neisha Crosland’ from Fired Earth

To make an interesting statement in your home, you don’t just have to save yellow for the larger features, in fact adding small accents of the colour to a room can give it some vitality, or reinvent an interior without changing too much. Contemporary interiors are often neutral walls with the inclusion of furniture pieces in modern wood types, and adding a dash of yellow into the mix can create an up-to-date look without taking away the original essence of the room. Margaret Howell created some fantastic designs for Anglepoise, and though I’d happily have any of the three colours in my home, the Yellow Ochre edition is stunning.

‘Type 75 Desk Lamp by Margret Howell in Yellow Ochre’ from Anglepoise

This chair with a yellow seat from Gubi is rather special, it’s an ultra-contemporary design that’ll look gracious and cool in a modern home. The design also comes with a white seat, so you could mix-match the two colours around the dining table, or save the yellow for the head of the table to give the whole look a pop of colour.

‘Mategot Nagasaki Chair’ from Gubi

A striking yellow rug can really transform a room in one fell swoop, to keep things feeling light and not making the room look too dense, a patterned rug is a great way to add some yellow without swamping the room. The Sellarsbrook design created by Suzanna Sharp for The Rug Company, has a sophisticated geometric pattern that adds a timeless depth to the rug.

‘Sellarsbrook in Yellow by Suzanne Sharp’ from The Rug Company

This rich, crisp yellow velvet sofa really packs a punch, that’ll give your living room some vivacious character. The chesterfield design is given an alternative look, creating a piece that can be mixed into both contemporary and traditional interiors.

‘Balmoral 2 Seater Sofa in Varese Velvet Alchemilla fabric’ from Heal’s

For a sweet touch to a traditional bedroom, these rustic, French style bedside tables in a dusty yellow could be a great way to frame a bed in a similar style. The piece from Out There Interiors has some fetching ironwork detailing, which will give a room some extra style in a simple way.

‘Two Drawer Beside in Yellow’ from Out There Interiors

These lemony plates and dishes from Habitat are a refreshing way to give your dining table an updated look, the ombre effect means that they aren’t too outlandish, and will gently show off the zesty colour. Place them on a blue tablecloth or next to some coloured glassware for a really stylish look.

‘Atkinson 12 Piece Yellow Dinnerware Set’ from Habitat

Lastly, this gorgeous glass pendant from Rockett St George is an absolute beauty! The moody yellow shade combined with the irregular shape gives the whole look an understated, glamourous feel. This pendant would be the perfect addition to a dark, moody room, giving it that hint of colour it needs to keep it from looking drab and dingy.

‘Hand Blown Glass Pendant Lighting in Yellow Ochre by Curiousa & Curiousa’ from Rockett St George

Though it can be quite a daring and brave decision to add a bold shade of yellow into your interior (and may take a little more persuading for some), it’s a decision that will result in some fabulous and sophisticated homes! Whether you’re already in love with colour, or prefer your interiors more neutral, you’ll see how diverse a colour like yellow can be and how easily it will suit all kinds of styles.

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New Year Improvements

As we hurtled towards Christmas and the end of the year it became clearer to me that whatever minute amount of organisation I had seemed to be dwindling fast, so between Christmas and the New Year I made a pact with myself that I would really try to be more organised this year in all aspects of my life! There is no better way to begin a journey of organisation then with the proper tools and equipment to make it that much easier. From big items to smaller pieces, getting your furniture and accessories in tune with your new organised self is a sure-fire way to start heading in the right direction, so I’ve pulled together some fabulous options to help inspire the inner neat-freak and organiser in each and every one of you.

If you live in a busy household, trying to separate everyone’s things, post, keys etc. is always a nightmare, so finding something that will help everyone keep track of their own stuff means half the battle is already won. This set of drawers from Cox & Cox is a great way to separate the post in a large household, with six individual drawers, everyone has their own place for their important letters and unopened mail.

‘Wooden Set of Drawers’ from Cox & Cox

Equally, if you needed somewhere to keep things like gloves, hats and scarfs or larger items this sweet wall unit from Garden Trading could be a great buy. With six slots and five pegs it’ll make that morning rush all the more simple with everything in its rightful place.

‘Chedworth Wall Unit with Wooden Pegs in Charcoal’ from Garden Trading

When there’s not so many of you, you may not need something with as many slots and segments, but nonetheless having a designated shelf that will kept the clutter at bay, or at least off all the other surfaces, is a great way to create an organised routine when leaving and entering the house. If you want something a little alternative, these shelves with leather straps are particularly stylish, and perfect is there is just one or two of you in the home.

‘Wooden and Leather Shelves’ from Cox & Cox

Most people who work from home generally have a little space in their home already set up, but if you don’t or you feel like something just isn’t quite working, or if you don’t work from home but are in need to somewhere to properly plan and organize your life, finding the right furniture will really help to get you in that productive mind-set.  Having a desk that works perfectly in sync with both functional and style needs is almost a god-send, and this piece from Heal’s is quite a stunner! With an abundance of shelves and drawers to keep all necessary items in, it’ll provide a great foundation to keeping you organized throughout the year, and the dark walnut colour is a dreamy addition to any interior.

‘Navarra Desk with Top 3 Drawers in Walnut’ from Heal’s

Often a desk isn’t always just from working on your laptop or writing documents, especially when it’s located in your home, so if you find yourself needing a larger flat surface for a full range of activities, opting for a spacious desk with less frills may be right for you. I particularly like this piece from Ikea, it’s a simple way to create a clean and stress-free area in your home, while the legs give the whole look a little character.

‘Klimpen/ Nipen Table’ from Ikea

Maintaining a consistent level or organisation is best kept by staying ahead of things, and the more storage space you have the better, sure you might only need 4 drawers now, but sooner or later you’ll find yourself needing more and more, therefore finding pieces of furniture that can accommodate your present and future storage needs are a must! I love these antique style chest from Maisons du Monde, which have heaps of space and won’t spoil an existing design scheme by looking like they belong in an office.

‘Voyage Solid Wood Semainier Chest’ from Maisons du Monde

For something a little more contemporary, or if you want to add some organisation into a kid’s room, this multi-coloured chest is perfect for keeping a range of items in.

‘Dekale Wooden Vintage Semainier Chest’ from Maisons du Monde

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to be organised, I was constantly having a battle with the furniture in my bedroom about where exactly I could store my socks, and once I found a solution in the form of their own special storage box, everything felt as though it was going a lot smoother than before. Buying a few storage baskets or boxes are a great solution for sorting things that you didn’t even realise you needed to organise; that stack of magazines, a collection of clothes that always find themselves on the floor because there just isn’t space in your closet, or whatever it may be, a few decorative boxes and baskets around your home will not only look pretty but help clear up some of that mess you just can’t seem to banish. I love both of these options from Habitat.

 

‘Movell Woven Plastic Storage Baskets’ from Habitat

‘Idaho Bamboo Lidded Storage Trunks’ from Habitat

Whether you don’t have an airing cupboard in your home, or just have an overflowing one like my family, finding another space to accommodate your linens and separate them from the rest of your laundry and clothing is a great way to insight a bit of organisation in your home. I think this rustic style cabinet from Ikea is a fab solution for your linen storage.

‘Hurdal Linen Cabinet’ from Ikea

If you’re like me, there is never enough space in my closet to house the excessive collection of clothes I own, so finding an extra bit of storage that is still stylish is a good way to make sure that your storage solutions don’t feel too utilitarian. This wardrobe from Ikea is super stylish and won’t break the bank either, it’ll look great in a bedroom, or if you need some communal space to store coats etc. it’ll hold its own in a hallway as well.

‘Undredal Wardrobe’ from Ikea

There are plenty of fun and stylish ways to make sure that you have an organised home this year, and finding out what you need and what best works for you is the first step in creating the perfect, organised space.

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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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Glorious Garden Furniture

It’s May bank holiday this weekend and for me that always signifies the beginning of summer. May and June in Cambridge always tend to be my favourite months, and hopefully this year will be no different. Since the sun is, fingers crossed, here to stay it’s probably a good time to start thinking about your garden furniture in preparation for the warm weather.

Whatever space you have and whatever style you like there are absolutely tons of furniture pieces around at the moment, and now is the perfect time to purchase them. I’ve collected a few of my favourite pieces to share with you.

‘Rattan Garden Furniture’ from Habitat

If you’re feeling like adding a dose of retro glamour to your backyard then these rattan pieces from Habitat are just the ticket. The bench and the chair make a wonderful set, but I have a particular soft spot for the tall sided chair. It’s super stylish and paired with a few cosy cushions, it’ll make the perfect place for relaxing on a warm summer’s day.

A collaboration that I was very excited to hear about was the teaming up of House of Hackney and Sun Beam Jackie. The latter is a company based in Cornwall that specialise in make amazing parasols, which are now available in some classic House of Hackney prints, creating an absolutely must-have item for any garden.

‘Palmeral Parasol’ from House of Hackney x Sunbeam Jackie

For an extra added something to accompany an already existing set of chairs or loungers, these concrete garden stools from Habitat would make a great addition. They’re an easy way to insert in a bit of style or to update an overall look.

‘Round Concrete Garden Stools’ from Habitat

There is always something rather elegant about a hanging chair in a garden, it can turn a simple, ordinary area into a little wonderland. For traditional, classic style The White Company always has you covered, this sweet hanging chair would look lovely surrounded by a bed of flowers.

‘Hanging Chair’ from The White Company

If you have a taste for the unusual or a little quirky, this hanging nest from Encompass is a great alternative to a traditional hanging chair, its design will really make a statement and give a touch of the Avant Garde to the look of your garden.

‘Maffam Manu Nest Hanging Chair’ from Encompass

For an quick and stylish update to a decking or patio area of a garden, that would be well suited to a typical English country home, these sun loungers from The White Company are rather splendid. The traditional style in a modern grey colour creates a clever combination.

‘Adirondack Chair and Foot Stool’ from The White Company

Traditional isn’t always for everyone, so if a contemporary garden sounds like something you want to try on for size there are some really exciting ways to go. Roche Bobois has some wonderful products, including this armless sofa. Its modern design indulges in a hint of St Tropez style with an abstract wood frame, and is a great way to stay cool in the shade.

‘Saga Armless Sofa’ from Roche Bobois

A swing set needn’t only come in a traditional style, for a sleek, modern design try this set from Encompass, its non-fussy design and clean lines are perfect if you enjoy the minimalist style or if you don’t have a lot of space to play with its open design won’t make your garden feel too cluttered or heavy.

‘Viteo Home Swing Set’ from Encompass

Finally if you’re looking for a piece that’s a little more playful and bursting with colour, this outdoor sofa from Roche Bobois is fantastic, it’s a fun and vibrant way to relax in your garden this summer.

‘Escapade Outdoor Sofa’ from Roche Bobois

With so much excellent furniture around for our gardens, we’ll all be stocking up and praying for glorious sunny days all year round!

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