This Little Light of Mine

Lighting is of course an essential practical component of the home, however it can be a great way of giving a home a stamp of personality. Not only can interesting and stylish lighting set the tone for its surrounding space but it can be used to create a functional statement as well. There are so many choices when it comes to lighting, perhaps too many choices, and often people tend to stick to what know, avoiding designs that are out of their comfort zone, as we can’t guarantee that a new, unknown light will work in our space. But choosing a daring or just different piece of lighting can define a room, giving it a new sense of style, even if you’re not changing anything else. Here are some beautiful pendant designs to get you thinking.

A dining table is a great place to add some interesting lighting; a simple table and chairs can be transformed with a beautiful pendant. This Onn Pendant by Arturo Alvarez from Heal’s has the perfect subtle dramatic touch, the mesh material feels almost shimmery; two over a dining table would create a beautiful, elegant effect.

Onn Pendant by Arturo Alvarez at Heal’s

If you like a more industrial look, but don’t want to use the typical style of lighting, try this chevron rattan shade that’s been finished in a steel grey colour. It has a simple, rustic feel that’s perfect for an easy-going, relaxed interior.

Grey Chevron Rattan Shade from Cox & Cox

For a more traditional use of wicker, this pendant from Graham & Green would make the perfect central bedroom shade. The shade doesn’t feel too heavy because of the spacing between the weaving. Opt for a softer bulb to create a relaxing atmosphere in the evening.

Wicker Pendant Light from Graham & Green

There’s something rather intriguing about these lightbulb shaped wire pendants from Oka; they’ve got a playful edge but still feel quite elegant and not as clunky as you might suspect. They’re available in three different sizes, and would make really distinctive bedside lights, either by hanging a cluster of different sizes or just a singular one; ideal for a guest bedroom where you can show off some unexpected style.

Jordaan Hanging Lamp from Oka

The shape of this Grace Pendant from Heal’s is absolutely stunning; the shell-like curves are really delicate but confident. The curves have almost a retro effect, but the asymmetric shape gives the pendant a modern twist. This would look great in a bathroom, porch or a few over a kitchen island. They are shown here is a bronze glass stain but also come in a lovely smoky shade.

Grace Pendant Light from Heal’s

For a really contemporary design, Tom Dixon always has a few intriguing pieces. This pendant from the designer has a futuristic element to it; the shine on the chrome finish mixed together with the shape makes it feel like it’s just a floating form of liquid metal. It’s an unusual design but would add a spark of personality to a room. If you want a chic, modern looking living room a few of these pendants would make a lovely addition; or you could try contrasting the sharpness of the pendant against some softer materials like velvet.

Top Silver Pendant Light from Tom Dixon

These pendant lights designed by Lee Broom at The Conran Shop lie somewhere between contemporary and antique. Their shape and design feels unexpected and modern, but there is a classic Art Deco quality to the pendants as well that makes them feel unique.

Crescent Pendant Light Mini by Lee Broom from The Conran Shop

This pendant from Trouva has a lovely retro feel to it; it comes in black and white, but this copper finish is quite special. There is a sort of seventies charm to the light, but without it feeling over the top. It was make a great accompaniment hanging just above an armchair for a little reading corner.

Bell Pendant Light by The Forest & Co from Trouva

Finally, really give a bedroom or living room some flair with these Japanese style lanterns from Rockett St George. They look beautiful as a pair, giving a sweet personality to a room; a great additional touch to a light and airy bedroom.

Traditional Japanese Lantern Ceiling Lights from Rockett St George

Lighting is a great way to get creative in your home, adding in new ideas and styles as fun finishing touches and statement pieces; so why not head a little bit out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you.

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A Rough Idea

At the moment in interior design we’re seeing a lot more of raw or organic shapes and materials being used. This is a great trend for those who love contemporary and diverse looks in their home, and want to experiment with different types of material; from metal, stone, wood, cork and concrete to natural forms. Take a look at some of these design to see if you might want to add some rough edges to your interiors.

This natural, pebble shaped mirror from Oliver Bonas takes the luxurious of the rose gold frame and plays it down with the relaxed shape, which is an interesting alternative to a formal rectangular mirror; making it a great buy if you want to soften a glam setting.

Full Length Rose Gold Pebble Mirror from Oliver Bonas

Break up a seating area with this raw shape petrified wood coffee table from Houseology. It appears like a slice straight from the trunk of a tree, but with a beautiful finish. It’ll add a diversity in texture and break up the space, as well as adding a natural element but in a formal and luxurious way.

Eichholtz Barrymore Coffee Table from Houseology

Offset the wooden coffee table with this agate top side table from Andrew Martin. The roughness of the agate edge contrasted against the angular brass legs give the side table a dynamic look that’ll add some unexpected glamour to a room.

Rosalie Side Table from Andrew Martin

If you want to add some natural motifs to your interiors in a larger way, there are a whole range of interesting wallpapers you could look at. This cement brick wallpaper adds a touch of industrial charm; it could look great in a sitting room with an added a cosy element like some textural sheepskin cushions completing the look.

Atlantis Cement Wallpaper from Andrew Martin

These pendants by Tom Dixon at Amara are perfect if you’re looking for something with an organic shape but still has a really glamorous touch. The finishes feel like precious metals and look like they’re melting, malleable to the touch. They would add a really vibrant edge to a room, over a dining table or hanging in a stairwell.

Melt Copper Pendant Light by Tom Dixon from Amara

Alternatively, finding products that used raw materials but take a contemporary shape can be a great way to give a room more texture when combined with other materials like velvets, paint or linen. This light made from concrete has a modern, simple shape, allowing the material to be the focal point of the design.

Dutch Bone Cradle Concrete Pendant Lamp from Cuckooland

Insert some a natural component and a little fun into your interior with this cork stool from Heal’s; it’s a playful when to add in some composition to a room, as well as having some back up seating when needed.

Cork Stool Model A from Heal’s

This could be contrasted nicely against this dark concrete mirror from Cult Furniture. It’s smart enough to be worked into a formal setting, but the added interested of the concrete means it can be toned down too.

Abra Modern Round Wall Mirror from Cult Furniture

This garden stool from Made is made from beautifully smooth concrete; it would look lovely in a juxtaposition against the green grass or on a minimalist desking. It could also be work inside the home as well; just add a little softness with a throw of cushion nearby.

Edison Garden Stool from Made

For a clean, strong look in the bathroom, using raw materials can create a dynamic look that plays to both masculine and feminine themes. This caddy from Next is made from a grey stone, and would look great added into a contemporary bathroom setting.

Pale Grey Stone Toothbrush Caddy from Next

For a larger touch of marble effect, this electric marble wallpaper is a giant textural feature. The orange tones against the dark bark almost glisten, making this wallpaper perfect if you want to create drama in say a dining room.

NLXL Piet Heim Eek Blakc Metallic Marble from IWOOT

From big drama to little drama, this pendant has a traditional style but made with a contemporary metal, to give it a stunning contrast. Two of these over a long dining table or as bedside lights would be the perfect finishing touch to a contemporary glamorous look.

Light & Living Alarice Pendant Light from Houseology

Whether you’re interested by raw forms or raw materials given an elegant finish, both are great ways to add texture and further depth to your interiors, so get out there and see how you can customise your own space.

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Plum Crazy

Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet, a punchy, vibrant purple. I’m always intrigued when the new colour is released each year and think of ways it could be used in interiors, not so that they fit with the latest trends, but so that they create an interesting and timeless look. As with all colours, there are endless hues and tones to be found in the purple spectrum, and so even if ultra-violet is not your go-to choice, there are an abundance purple pieces to lust over, that might be more your look. From big to small ideas, I’ve found some utterly gorgeous ways to include purple into your home, so take a look!

Lotus Wallpaper in Brinjal and Off-Black from Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball have recently released some reimagined wallpapers, using some favourite designs in new colours. A standout design is the Lotus in Brinjal with an Off-Black background. The two colours together creates a dreamy, romantic and dramatic look, perfect of spicing up a snug or dining room. It’s also a great way to use purple if you favour dark interiors and are looking to reinvent a room.

Curiousa & Curiousa have an outstanding collection of lighting, their beautiful glass pieces are sure to make a pinnacle feature in any room. This pendant is the perfect retro shade of aubergine, fitting in with its sixties lava lamp curves and shape. Great for making a combination of a cosy atmosphere and statement piece in a bedroom, or as an attention-grabbing light for the entrance hall.

Stemmed Orb Diffuser from Curiousa & Curiousa

Not all your purple additions need to be dark and dramatic, purple can also take a sweet and delicate tone. This bedding from Anthropologie is a dusty, faded shade of purple, the slightly darker toned trim is a sweet touch and could bring an inviting feel to a guest bedroom.

Caridee Bed Linen from Anthropologie

A touch of purple when it comes to your curtains could give a room that balance between calming and fresh; these pompom curtains from Urban Outfitters will help give a room a little lift. The Pompom detailing is oh-so-cute, giving the room some textural feel.

Blackout Pompom Curtains from Urban Outfitters

If you’re unsure about purple, adding it to your interiors in very small doses is a good way to see whether the colour is for you, and your home. A simple, elegant room with a small touch of purple here and there can make for an interesting look. This purple glass mirror from Amara is an unexpected find. A quick splash of colour in a downstairs loo, or mixed into a larger mirror display, this mirror could fit in perfectly.

Lust Mirror by Normann Copenhagen from Amara

Pair together this arrangement of purple headed thistle and this jellyfish paperweight for a lovely display on your desk or on a hall console table. The small additions of purple are fun but classic feeling.

Faux Purple Thistle Spray from Graham & Green

Purple Jellyfish Paperweight from Graham & Green

Adding purple to a garden or patio area isn’t something I would have automatically put together, but these chairs from Heals and the vivid green leaves make a great combination. An interesting way to give a rustic looking area a burst of contemporary colour.

Thayla Chair from Heals

There’s been a huge influx of purple furniture pieces and homeware this season, so it’s a great time to take a look at the colour and see if it’s to your liking; the great thing about searching through interior styles is that you never know if you’re about to fall in love with something new, and just maybe there’s a place for a little something purple amongst your favourites.

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We Wish You a Rustic Christmas

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

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

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornament from Amara

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

Set of 6 Neutral Christmas Trees from Rockett St George

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

Wooden Star Decoration from Amara

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

Distressed Hanging Iron Stars from Rockett St George

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

Orla Owl Sculpture from Abigail Ahern

Flying Pigs Decoration from Baileys

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

Merry and Bright Ornaments from Anthropologie

Sara Candle in Ash from Heals

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

Walter and co Boxwood Wreath from Trouva

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

Pinecone Fairy Lights from The White Company

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

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Worth writing home for

More often than not, depending on our lifestyles, its common practice that most people need a little space in their home for a desk or a small home office area. Whether you’re studying, working from home, or have daily tasks to carry out, a desk is always a handy item in the house that you’ll always find a need for. Your workspace in an office may have to comply with its surrounding aesthetic, but at home you have the freedom to create your own individual space that works perfectly for you. From picking the desk, chair, accessories and the surrounding area, making your space your own is a lovely way to make productivity just that little bit easier.

Traditional Writing Desk from Coasters Furniture via Pinterest

When I think of a traditional writing desk I always picture something like this quaint piece above. A sweet style that’s perfect for a country themed interior. A desk like this with built in compartments is ideal if you don’t have a dedicated room as an office; instead of taking up precious space with larger storage you can neatly fit letters and envelopes, pens and documents in the drawers provided. It turns the desk into a design feature of a room, rather than something that’s in the way. I love this Repton writing desk from Oka, with a similar style in a wood finish; an elegant, design for a traditional setup.

Repton Writing Desk from Oka

Continue with the traditional theme with your desk accessories and lighting. This Charles Edwards table lamp has some wonderful detailing, but is simple enough to work with most traditional design, and will keep your area well-lit when working into the evening.

Palmer Table Lamp from Charles Edwards

For a few extra finishing touches, a piece like this letter rack by Alexander James available at Amara, has a traditional glamour to it, giving your desk style and a touch of personality.

Letter Rack from Alexander James at Amara

If you prefer a more contemporary style, there are many ways to create an interesting and productive workspace that’ll look sleek and stylish as well. This look below is clean and simple; the reinvented half white, half natural wood captain’s chair is a great way to rework a traditional piece.

Contemporary Writing Desk from Homes & Garden via Pinterest

This desk from Bluesuntree has the capacity for a bigger workload with a large surface and three handy drawers underneath, but its style isn’t compromised as it gives a modern, stylish but relaxed design.

Ellwood Desk from Bluesuntree

Pair it with a slightly more avant garde style of chair, like this legendary Masters Chair by Kartell available from Heal’s in a range of colours; but add a cushion to keep it comfy if you plan of being at your desk for a while.

Masters Chair by Kartell from Heal’s

You may mostly work from a laptop these days, but every now and then are in need of jotting down some notes by hand, so a trusty notebook and pen should never be too far. Keep your pens in a stylish home, in something like this holder made by Lexon; it’s sleek and cool, and will keep your desk feeling tidy.

Pencil Holder by Lexon at Amara

If you love retro style interiors, there’s no need to sacrifice this when it comes to your workspace, you can find good quality buys on places like eBay, or some new desks in a retro style if you like as well. This image below is a beautiful home workspace design; with the teak wood, retro desk legs and lots of greenery it makes a peaceful space to work in.

Retro Writing Desk from The Future Kept via Pinterest

For a similar style, this mid-century inspired Acorn desk from West Elm will help keep your retro aesthetic going in your workspace. Keep the look going with some retro framed prints, or an interesting collection of coffee table books nearby.

Mid Century Acorn Desk from West Elm

Give your space some refreshing plant life, and house them in a stylish planter like this one from La Redoute; it has some mid-century style to it, but could also be worked into another design scheme.

Florian Planters from La Redoute

Storage is always vital, especially with a workspace as it’ll keep all your paperwork tucked away and not scattered about the place, keeping you feeling organised. If you’ve got the space, a larger storage piece like this one from Oliver Bonas is a great way to keep your documents, books and other items at bay, while there’s also enough room to add some ornaments or plants to stop it from looking too much like work.

Grid Nine Shelf Storage Unit from Oliver Bonas

I love this relaxed, cosy style of this workspace; with the mismatching tables, sheepskin cushion and the lovely array of little bits and bobs scattered around. The bohemian style is fun to use in your workspace if you don’t need a large amount of space, needing the desk more for fun things then for work.

Bohemian Writing Desk from Apartment Therapy via Pinterest

This design from Maison du Monde is a chic design that have a wonderful cosy feeling to it, great for tucking in a corner somewhere, as well as dressing up or down with some interesting accessories.

Chinon Writing Desk from Maison du Monde

Keep the place feeling even cosier with a rug under the desk; something like this kilim rug from John Lewis, which makes a great bohemian base for your area, plus it’ll look good against some dark wood floor boards or if you want to add some faux sheepskin.

Fusion Kilim Rug from John Lewis

And for an extra bit of flair, something fun like these rabbit bookends are a playful touch to your writing desk, and a handy way to store books or papers.

Rabbit Bookends from Graham & Green

There are all kinds of ways you can create your own workspace at home, making it an inviting place that you look forward to using instead of a feeling of dread. Adding your own style and personality to your space will make it feel like a connected part of your home and not just an office!

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Famous Furniture

Iconic pieces of furniture are the staple of interior design, with many pieces still continuing to be a part of modern interiors today. If you’re a fan of interior design, there’s a good chance you’ll have your favourite famous pieces, and dream of having them in your home. But when you have such famous pieces there’s always a battle of how to style them without making them seem too ostentatious or cliché. For me, I think the best way to include famous pieces of furniture in your interior is not to make them stand out and demand all the attention, but instead to immerge them into a scheme that shows off the iconic piece perfectly but subtly. I’ve pulled out some famous furniture and included some fun ways to accessorise them, to get you thinking how you might style your favourite famous piece.

The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen at The Conran Shop

The Egg Chair is one of the most recognisable pieces of furniture from the mid-century era, and is a fantastic piece to have if you love smooth, sleek and contemporary interiors. If you want to use the chair but not go fully in with the mid-century style, you can tone down the chair with some alternative accessories. This glamorous side table with look good next to the Egg Chair and create some diversity between the curves of the chair and the angular table.

Pearl Side Table from Swoon Editions

To complete the look I would add some faux fur cushion to the chair to create the right balance between modern and mid-century glam. These caramel coloured cushions from Nordic House are perfect for the job.

Sheepskin Cushions in Caramel from Nordic House

It was Eero Saarinen’s mission to try and rid the world of the ugliness of the four legged chair, which resulted in the Tulip Chair, and the Tulip Table to follow. Both designs have a futuristic look that still holds its own today and is as popular as ever; the table is available to buy from Skandium, in a range of colours and sizes.

The Tulip Table by Eero Saarenin from Amara via Pinterest

The Tulip Table is made from fibreglass, and so is very modern in its appearance, to juxtapose this, I’d contrast the table with something like these painted wooden Ercol chairs from Heal’s. The fun orange colour will look good against the crisp white of the table and create a playful but elegant dining area to entertain at.

Originals Stacking Chairs by Erol at Heal’s

Finish off the look with some decorative pieces in the centre of the table, I like the idea of putting some vibrantly coloured flowers, or pieces like these metallic bowls from Tom Dixon available at Amara.

Gold Hex Bowls by Tom Dixon at Amara

The Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe always reminds me of the sleek interiors of Mad Men. The strong, masculine lines give this piece of furniture a bold look, making it a striking piece to have in the home if you love ultra-contemporary style. You can buy the Barcelona Chair from Chaplins, which has a great collection of iconic furniture.

The Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe from the Urbnite via Pinterest

Unless you like your interiors very contemporary and minimal, you may want to soften up the chair with some interesting accessories. The chair is a daring look and so needs equally exciting pieces to go with it; this cowhide print is rather Avant Garde and would make an exciting combination paired with the chair.

Renaissance Cowhide Rug from Rockett St George

This Bow lamp from Made had a cool copper finish that’ll go with the look well, having a little of old and new style to go with both the chair and the rug.

Bow Lamp from Made

The Eames Plastic Chair is a design that has been all over interiors for the past few years; and can be found at Heal’s. They’re a great design that have been put into a whole range of schemes. I love how they’ve been paired with this farmhouse table below, mixing traditional and contemporary design.

Eames Plastic Chair from Coaster Furniture via Pinterest

If you want to keep the look feeling contemporary, combining the chairs with this table from Heal’s will look great, especially putting the blue table top and the orange finish of the chair together.

Fawn Tink Blue Table from Heal’s

For a final touch of glamour to this contemporary table area, some luxe gold cutlery adds the perfect amount of drama.

Gold Cutlery from Bloomingville

Famous pieces of furniture are a great way to show off your style in your interiors, and a fun challenge to give an iconic piece of furniture your own stamp of personality; whether it’s adding contrasting accessories or placing the piece in a alternatively styled room, or completing the look by sticking to one era, you can be sure that an iconic piece will bring style, fun and intrigue to your home.

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Escape to the Country

I usually align myself more with the contemporary side of interior styles, but sometimes I can’t help but fall in love with something a little more rustic, a little more country. Be it a beautiful table, or an old fashioned cabinet, there are loads of great pieces of furniture out there in the country or farmhouse style which shouldn’t be kept just there anymore. I love a good juxtaposition in interiors, when different styles are put together, so the idea of country meeting city is up there on my list of great combinations. I’ve found some gorgeous country ideas, and their beautiful modern counterparts.

Traditional Farmhouse Style Table from And All Shall Be Well via Pinterest

A traditional farmhouse table like this is a simple being, no frills or over the top design, it’s sturdy, reliable and beautiful in its own right. The planks of wood that make up the top are a subtle feature that adds character, as well as the legs which have been painted a modern grey, allowing the table to fit comfortably into a contemporary setting. Painting the legs of an old table is one way you can update its look; another way to do so is by pairing the traditional table with a set of modern chairs.

I love this Toaster table from Loaf, it’s an easy-going piece that’s perfect for a big family or big dining space, and the stark white wood contrasted with the darkness of the legs look great together. To keep it feeling modern, I’d add something like these brightly coloured chairs designed by Vitra and available from Heal’s, they’re just right to off-set the old with the new.

Toaster Extendable Kitchen Table from Loaf

All Plastic Chair by Vitra from Heal’s

A good console table for a hallway is one that can accommodate your needs as you go to and from your house. A table that’s too frail isn’t going to able to hold down the weight of your never-ending pile of post or keys and still manage to look good. Instead, a piece that’s a little more structurally sound is good for the job; and if there’s one thing about farmhouse style furniture, is that it’s and designed to look and be strong. This rustic console table has beautiful detailing and has a large enough surface to house both decorative items and that endless ‘sorting out’ pile. To counteract the rustic nature of the console, try adding more contemporary style accessories, or a mirror; so that you can still maintain a fresh look.

Rustic Console Table from Ideal Home via Pinterest

Neptune do a great selection of furniture that fits between the contemporary and the traditional look, so they’re a great company to take a peek at for some ideas as to what might work for your house. Their painted console table is a great design that can be painted in a range of colours, and so will fit into whatever scheme you’re creating. You could either pair the simple design with an outlandish style mirror for even more of a contrast, or opt for something equally simple but in a modern style, like this Pero mirror from Swoon Editions.

Suffolk Painted Console Table from Neptune

 

Pero Mirror from Swoon Editions

Your kitchen is a lovely little spot to add some country charm to; after all, it’s meant to be a warm and inviting place, which is one of the main attributes of that rustic, farmhouse feel. I love the look of this kitchen I found whilst sprawling through Pinterest. The crisp metro tiles against the weather wooden cabinets is a gorgeous combination.

Country Style Kitchen from Blog Lovin’ via Pinterest

You can start to add in some rustic allure to your kitchen with some larger, portable pieces of furniture, that’ll help introduce a farmhouse style, and by pairing them with a contemporary kitchen, it can really give an interesting and individual look to your kitchen area. Providence are a local Cambridgeshire company that specialise in handcrafted Shaker style pieces of furniture. Their kitchen dressers would make a great addition to a contemporary kitchen if you want to give it a little bit of warmth and personality.

Shaker Style Kitchen Dresser in Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon from Providence

To keep the dresser feeling current, keep some modern accessories on it, to help draw the connection between the dresser and its contemporary setting. This glass jar, a somewhat traditional accessory has been given a modern facelift with a gold lid, a few in different sizes scattering around the dresser will keep up the individuality you’re looking to inject into your kitchen.

Gold and Metal Glass Jar from Maison du Monde

While you’re making traditional furniture feel more modern with contemporary accessories, you can also do the exact opposite and tone down contemporary pieces with some county-style decoration. This can help add warmth and texture to a setting, helping to create an inviting, and liveable home. If I were to think of a (slightly romanticised) farmhouse setting, I would picture a big, cosy fire and endless amounts of sheepskin rugs and textural wool accessories to keep the place looking and feeling warm. These are the perfect accessory to use in a contemporary setting, as they lend themselves to both parties.

Rustic Setting from The Future Kept via Pinterest

This bench from Maison du Monde is a wonderful way to add some farmhouse style to seating area. The rustic legs and white faux fur are a perfect combination.

Refuge Bench from Maison du Monde

It could be paired nicely with this natural hemp rug from Nkuku, which could also be used to soften a harder looking seating area, or tone down a stronger colour that features in the room.

Ndaka Hemp Rug in Natural from Nkuku

Finally, for an extra bit of soft, country-style texture, I had to throw in these gorgeous cushions from Baileys, which would make a stunning addition to an aged leather armchair or mid-century sofa.

Hand Woven Cushion from Baileys

If you have a favourite style that you love, then you’re blessed with having a clear cut vision of how you’d like your home to look. But if you’re like me, and can’t seem to settle on just one, then building up a repertoire of balanced looking juxtapositions where you can play off old and new pieces, or simple and loud ideas together in a one harmonious setting, is a skill worth having so that you can keep your interiors full of life and individuality, without having to compromise.

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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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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!

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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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