Greener Pastures

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

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

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

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

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

‘Stafford Velvet Dining Chair in Putting Green’ from Oka

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

‘Green Saucer Pendant Lampshade’ from Graham & Green

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

‘Pea Pod Tea Towel’ from Thornback & Peel

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

‘Normann Copenhagen Stay Table’ from Houseology

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

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

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

‘Faux Moss Spray’ from Graham & Green

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

‘Floraculture Knobs’ from Anthropologie

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

‘Celestial Coasters’ from Anthropologie

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

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…

An exciting way to accessories your home is with mirrors, not only are they handy to make sure you look halfway decent before leaving the house, but they can also help to create the illusion of more space and light in your home. There are thousands of designs and styles to choose from, and the key is finding the right style that will complement your style and home perfectly. I’ve picked out just some of the wonderful designs available to inspire you!

Mirrors are a great way to experiment with your style, putting a dramatic mirror into a more neutral setting is a great way to create a pop of interest in your surroundings. This hexagonal honeycomb design from Graham & Green is a fantastic statement piece. It would look great in a hallway, over a sideboard, console table or shelf. The various sizes of hexagons and antiqued gold frame finish really makes the piece rather special, it would make a great addition to a contemporary style home, or an interesting contrast in a bohemian interior.

‘Honeycomb Mirror’ from Graham & Green

You can use mirrors to add a splash of colour into a room or on a blank wall, these Indian style mirrors from Maisons du Monde are the perfect finishing touch to a shabby chic style home, the colours add a fun element, they will work wonderfully in either a horizontal or vertical line up.

‘Three Kurti Wooden Mirrors’ from Maisons du Monde

Another little trio mirror that will look great in a bathroom is this Tribeca wall mirror from Atkin and Thyme. The copper frame is really on trend and will look amazing standing out on a darker wall colour. If you’re looking for a fun but smart look, this mirror may be your perfect match.

‘Tribeca Triple Wall Mirror’ from Atkin and Thyme

Full length mirrors are a really good way of making a room seem taller, especially if placed strategically, for example somewhere where the mirror will reflect a window. This distressed floor mirror from Rocket St George is a lovely piece for the bedroom or a dreamy style sitting room. The beautiful pattern on the frame will make a subtle feature point in any room.

‘Distressed Cream Tine Mirror’ from Rockett St George

If you’re searching for something with a little more of a contemporary edge, this Kai mirror from Swoon Editions is a great option. It has simple, clean lines with a hint of mid-century style, and with an interesting curved bottom, giving it a great contemporary style.

‘Kai Mirror’ from Swoon Editions

Using mirrors as a decorative options in a dining room can really make a dramatic and sophisticated effect. This wavy mirror from Graham & Green is an absolute knockout. The mirrored edge gives an intriguing vibe, it could be easily be work into a glamorous dining room, at the head of the table, but also worked into a romantic, vintage setup as well.

‘Wavy Silver Wall Mirror’ from Graham & Green

A gem from Oka is this Icicle mirror, made up from five scalloped-edged diamond shaped mirrors, it’s perfectly suited to a romantic style interior. A single strip could be used to frame a bed, but for a really dramatic finish, three sets lined up vertically would make a beautiful effect.

‘Icicle Mirror’ from Oka

You can use a mirror to enhance a look in your home, this art deco inspired piece from West Elm would be a great way to enhance a vintage look. It would look amazing over a dressing table. Equally, if you just wanted to add a simple period-style feature into a contemporary interior, a mirror can be a great way to do so, as it can be used to both complement and contrast its surroundings.

‘Linear Mirror Wall Art’ from West Elm

West Elm also have a mirror that is ideal for making a stylish statement, this half mirror, half wood piece is amazing. The mirror is cut to follow the shape of a log slice, turning the whole thing into a contemporary masterpiece.

‘Tree Ring Wall Mirror’ from West Elm

Mirrors needn’t be only kept inside, they can be a great way to add some character to your garden and exterior walls. I love this convex mirror from Out There Interiors. It has a nautical vibe about it, and look lovely on a brick wall, maybe with a few in a row.

‘Convex Mirror in Gold’ from Out There Interiors

From big to small, round to square there are so many choices on mirrors, and you can have all sorts of fun finding your favourite style and designs!

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Time for a Change

This Sunday the clocks are going to be turning back an hour, meaning more light in the mornings and cozier, darker evenings. Since it’s all about the clocks this weekend, what better time to take a look at some of the beautiful and interesting clocks around at the moment? From big to small, there all sorts of lovely designs to suit your interior style.

Clocks are a handy buy as they do two jobs in one; they’re the perfect decorative piece to really make a wall pop, or to add focus to a table, plus they are also a functional piece for your interior and your life!

‘Marble Wall Watch’ from Rose & Grey

This square wall piece from Rose & Grey is the perfect unstated piece, if you’re looking for something clean and simple that will complement a relaxed design scheme, this is a great choice. The dark marble is completely on trend right now, and the square shape is an interesting alternative to the classic circle.

Following the marble trend, this hexagonal light marble wall clock from Trouva is a lovely sophisticated piece. It really stands out against a dark wall, and will look equally as gorgeous in a light and airy setting, it’s a great design for a contemporary setting!

‘Karlsson Light Marble Hexagonal Clock’ from Trouva

A clock doesn’t just have to tell the time, it can be a creative way to bring in some artwork or a feature piece to a room. This can be achieved by getting your hands on a bold and daring wall clock. This delicate sunflower clock from Chaplins is just wonderful. The metal petals are a lovely design and despite its flower motif, its design can be used in all sorts of schemes, not just a feminine one. The design can work in both a contemporary or bohemian interior, and even be used to jazz up a traditional setting.

‘Sunflower Wall Clock’ from Chaplins

If you love a wonderful vintage feel from your home accessories, this nautical style large wall clock from Graham & Green will do just the trick. I love the rusty, antiqued finish the clock has on it, it’ll look great up on a high wall against a pale background, or if you like a bit of organized chaos, mix it amongst some other wall pieces or art to create a wonderful cluster.

‘Nautical Compass Skeleton Wall Clock’ from Graham & Green

For something rather special, Rockett St George are currently stocking an amazing clock designed by George Nelson in 1957. The abstract eye design is perfect if you love to decorate your home with alternative and unusual items.

‘Eye Clock Designed by George Nelson 1957’ from Rockett St George

For something a little smaller, finding a clock for a table, be it sideboard or bedside table is a great time to experiment your style and begin to introduce a different feel to your interiors. This retro style alarm clock from Rockett St George will look fantastic in a contemporary and glamourous bedroom. The copper casing is beautiful, hopefully filling you with less dread when the alarm goes off in the morning!

‘Leff Amsterdam Block Alarm Clock’ form Rockett St George

If you’re looking for some ultra-antique glam, this Chinoiserie clock from Oka is a great little piece. The clock is fun and playful and will look great on an antique table, or if you want to mix up your styled pair with a contemporary piece of furniture.

‘Chinoiserie Carriage Clock’ from Oka

Rowen & Wren have something up their sleeve if you’re in the market for something a little quirky and unusual. The Ellmau chalet cuckoo clock could fit perfectly into a ski lodge look, or if you want to give your room an interesting focal point, contrasting this cuckoo clock against a contemporary or minimal scheme will create an interesting effect.

‘Ellmau Chalet Cuckoo Clock’ from Rowen & Wren

There is all sorts of fun to be had with picking out the perfect clock from your home, and with so much variety and choice out there you’ll have to resist the urge to put one on every wall in your house!

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A Flair for the Dramatics

Whether you have a large estate or a humble flat, adding a little drama to your interiors is never a bad thing. While some may opt for an entire dramatic look, for some it’s better to start off slow and introduce a few wonderful pieces that will really start to shape the feel of your interior. From lighting, mirrors and home accessories, here are some amazing ways to add some excitement to your home and begin to give it a dramatic flair.

A pair of theatrical candlesticks are always a good place to start if you want to just dip your toes into the dramatic pool. These cheeky dog candelabras from House Junkie are a contemporary, modern way to introduce some quirky drama. Placed on either end of a mantelpiece, or on a table, they’re sure to be an eye-catching piece.

‘Guardians Dog Candelabras’ from House Junkie

If your taste is a little more feminine, then these bird candlesticks are the perfect combination of quirky sweetness and intriguing theatrics. The hand painted porcelain pieces will make a subtle but effective addition to a sitting or dining room, adding just the right amount of pizazz.

‘Petit Oiseaux Bird Candlesticks’ from Angel & Boho

A super easy way to add some drama to a room is with lighting. Though our first thought when it comes to dramatic lighting might be a huge glass chandelier, there are some really interesting ways to give your lighting some gravitas, that can follow some unconventional style trends. This three tier recycled chandelier is full of retro, bohemian glamour. It’s perfect if you don’t want to take your interiors too seriously and want to add some fun style.

‘Moroccan Bottle Top Chandelier’ from Re-Found Objects

For another alternative way to add some glamour and some delicate drama to your lighting is with this amazing knitted rope chandelier, a completely innovative way of reinventing the classical piece into something contemporary and intriguing.

‘Knotted Rope Chandelier’ from Holly’s House

From the ceiling to the walls, give an interior some quirky glamour with something like this monkey shelf. It has all the same motifs as a typical gilded ornamentation you might find in a French chateau, but here you get a sense of humour with your drama in the form of a little cheeky monkey!

‘Golden Monkey Shelf’ from Rockett St George

 When it comes to the dramatic interior it’s all about a showstopper piece, and this cuckoo clock certainly fits the bill. The interesting metalwork creates a dramatic display and is a really eye-catching piece.

‘Metal Cut out Cuckoo Clock’ from House Junkie

This canvas print from House Junkie, designed by Angela Rossi, is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The surreal print is just the piece if you want add to an existing collection of wacky art, or begin to start a new one. The vibrant flamingo will look amazing placed in a dark, moody room.

‘Princess Flaminia Canvas’ from House Junkie

Having a dramatic interior doesn’t always means having to have the wildest, wackiest pieces you can find, you can still maintain your own style whilst embarking on your journey of drama! This huge mirror from Angel & Boho is not only beautiful but full of romantic, bohemian drama. If you’re looking for an old, faded glamour effect, this is a rather perfect piece.

‘Archtop Metal Window Mirror’ from Angel & Boho

A screen is an accessory that will always have something of a theatrical presence in a room, but often the most common style will lend themselves to the retro interior motifs. But this piece from Oka is perfect for a clean, contemporary style. The Grunewald screen is hand-painted and will bring a wonderful fresh, dramatic impact to a room.

‘Grunewald Screen’ from Oka

From moody and romantic dramatic looks, to fresh and contemporary, there are all sorts of ways to include a fiercely theatrical theme into your interiors!

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Cheap Thrills

A rather excruciating part of my job is that I am constantly surrounded by, or looking at beautiful home furnishings and accessories, that unfortunately I just cannot afford. Fortunately, the interior design world is also full of wonderful pieces and products that will only take a pinch out of your wallet, and here are ten gorgeous items all under £50.00 to get you inspired!

‘Metal Pillar Candle Holders’ from Cox & Cox (£9.50)

A quick way to decorate a table area or ledge is with a few decorative candle holders. They instantly add a touch of personality to a room, and will also add a sense of homeliness. You can either follow a theme with your candle holders, or integrate a whole range of styles, from bohemian to luxe to rustic. They will easily dress up a room, and because they are usually cheap you’ll be able to get your hands of a few pairs! I love these pillar style holders from Cox & Cox, they had a hint of rustic glamour to a setting, but if you really want to give a little pizazz to a table or mantelpiece, these leopards from Oka are sure to do the trick!

‘Pair of Lakadema Leopard Candle Holders’ from Oka (£44.00)

If you’ve bought a cheap, plain sofa there is an easy solution to make it feel fancy, and that’s cushions! There are masses of low cost cushions out there from plain, bright and patterned, but I always find that if you want to add a bit of luxury to a sofa a little texture and colour goes a long way. Sometimes you’ll luck out and the cushion pad will be included in the price, but if not you can usually get the pad for just a little extra, or if you take note of the sizing you’ll be able to find a cheaper counterpart online or in a large department store.

‘Mint Cushion’ from Touva (£25.00 with cushion pad)

This little minty cushion is so sweet and so stylish, and for just £25.00 including the pad it’s an absolute bargain! I love the tassels and the contrasting patterns on this Trivandrum cover from Oka, it’s a wonderful solution if your sofa is looking a little bare, and is in need of a revamp.

‘Trivandrum Cushion Cover’ from Oka (£25.00 with cushion pad)

A nice way to dress up your home is with a few flowers or plants, and for that you’ll need somewhere to put them. If you’re into your contemporary interiors, this half-moon planter may be right up your street. It’s full of character, and its copper tones will look perfect against a vibrant green plant.

‘Half Moon Plant Pot’ from Urban Outfitters (£14.00)

If you want something a bit simpler, that follows a more classic style, this glass cloche from Cox & Cox is so elegant, and just waiting for from wildflowers to be put in!

‘Glass Plant Cloche’ from Cox & Cox

When acquiring tableware, because you often need so much of it, it can be hard to find a gorgeous but inexpensive set. Instead, you might want to opt for getting some cheaper plain plates and dishes and then dressing up the table with some one-off extras. This striking jug from Trouva is amazing, and placed in the centre it’ll really stand out and make the whole table feel that extra bit special.

‘Faye Toogood Indigo Storm Jug’ from Touva (£29.95)

You can easily dress up your walls without spending too much money, a nice frame added to cheap print will really increase the overall quality, and some interesting wall lighting is a great way to add some character. I love this candle wall sconce from An Angel at my Table, the mirror panels offer an interesting design, and it’s perfect if you love a bit of bohemian style.

‘Refracting Mirrored Candle Sconce’ from Angel at my Table (£35.00)

Decorating your home with lovely but cheaper pieces don’t just have to be about knick-knacks, you can find some wonderful pieces for a small prices that can also serve a purpose. This suitcase self from Urban Outfitters is rather sweet, and is ideal for storing books and magazines in an attractive way. It’s quirky, retro flair makes it not only useful but stylish too.

‘Palm Pattern Suitcase Shelf’ from Urban Outfitters (£50.00)

When you need to add that finishing touch to a seating area, something like this little table from An Angel at my Table is a great way to insert some decorative magic.

‘Small Brocante Tray Table’ from An Angel at my Table (£45.00)

A smaller budget by no means equals scrimping on the finer things in life, or getting your hands on something that’ll really complete your home. After all, you may find that good things come with small price tags.

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Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Updating a kitchen is quite a sizeable task, perhaps one of the biggest you can do in a home. If you don’t have the time, patience, energy or funds to redo an entire kitchen, you can easily inject a bit of freshness into a kitchen’s look with the addition of a few new kitchenware accessories. Whether you want to change the style, or just give the room a little facelift you’ll be surprised how far a few pieces can go.

While there are endless amounts of products and accessories out there, I’ve picked out just a few from all different styles you give a taste of the possibilities.

If you’re a keen baker (or even if you’re not) you’ll love this hand-painted rolling pin from Anthropologie. The beautiful decorative style means it’ll look just as wonderful when it’s not in use as well as when it is.

‘Sissinghurst Castle Rolling Pin’ from Anthropologie

Staying in the bohemian style, these petite mugs from Oka are so charming! The hand decorated cups are just the right size for an after dinner beverage, plus they’ll look divine on display, their bold colours are really eye-catching, making them the perfect way to complete or start a collection of beautiful crockery.

‘Florya Mugs’ from Oka

If you’re interested in re-doing your kitchen in a more contemporary style there are hundreds of ways to go about it. I’m not usually a fan of pink, but these Schiap plates from Oka are rather special. The clean candy-pink stripes and black rims give the classic style a glamorous twist.

‘Schiap Plate’ from Oka

Another pretty in pink addition to the kitchen are these luxurious bowls from Heal’s. Their effect is created from hand applied metallic lustre. They’re a fantastic update to a contemporary table or kitchen, and are the perfect injection of colour to neutral palette, especially if you want to create a high-end, feminine look.

‘Polka bowls set of four’ from Heal’s

Whether you’re getting good use of out if, or just mainly using it for decoration, a beautiful pestle and mortar is a must-have for any kitchen. This shallow, stone one from Holly’s House is a lovely contemporary piece that will show off whatever spices you crush up in there.

‘Stone Pestle and Mortar’ from Holly’s House

A kitchen bursting with colour can really take your breath away, but you may not always want your surfaces and cupboards to reflect this. Instead, choose your accessories to channel your inner rainbow. I absolutely love this bubble glassware collection from Graham & Green. The hand-blown pieces purposely have tiny air bubbles to create a light and airy appearance. They will look gorgeous littered around a table, tucked up on a display cabinet or dotted around a kitchen to tie a theme together.

‘Bubble Glassware’ from Graham and Green

Another special piece from Graham & Green is this antique plate holder. Perhaps you have some wedding plates you want to keep safe, or just want to jazz up your ordinary, everyday crockery you can display them in this stylish holder.

‘Antique Plate Holder’ from Graham & Green

If you enjoy a little mid-century style, take a look at this adorable storage jar from Heal’s. Taking its influence from the 1930s and 1940s, designer Cressida Bell created this little champ, perfect for keeping your biscuits in!

‘Trees Storage Jar’ from Heal’s

Another retro piece of kitchenware that will make your home that extra bit special are these Art Deco style trivets. The geometric style is super swish and elegant and will work as decorative pieces when not in use.

‘Outline Trivets’ from Holly’s House

Last but not least, if you can’t get enough of some geometric shapes, these flamboyant tea towels with an eye-catching pattern should do the trick. Swap out your old, fading tea towels for some fun, vibrant new ones.

‘Scholten & Baijings set of two tea towels’ from Heal’s

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Welcome to the Jungle

If like me you’re not quite making it out to a tropical island for a holiday this year, then fear not! Choose wisely and you can recreate that tropical feeling from your very own home, from quirky and contemporary to classic and stylish, tropical and jungle interiors have been a prominent trend over the last few years and there not going anywhere! I’ve pick out some absolutely scorching home accessories that’ll give you that hot, tropical feeling all year round!

‘Palmeral Amhurst Sofa in White and Green’ from House of Hackney

Jump straight into the deep end with this extravagant leafy sofa from House of Hackney.
Despite its busy pattern the piece of furniture manages to keep its cool, giving off more of a jungle chic vibe than jungle fever!

For a mellow hint of tropical flavour, this bedding from Graham & Green is a fun, non-committal way to interact with the style. It’ll look great as a standalone jungle themed piece or act as a lovely base to build upon.

‘Palmier Bedding’ from Graham & Green

The same can be said for this leaf item from Rose & Grey, which combines tropical and glamourous themes to create a beautiful piece. This complementary piece will make a stylish addition to a room and is ideal for storing jewellery or little knick-knacks.

‘Gold Leaf Tray’ from Rose & Grey

Jazz up your hallway with these functional yet beautiful umbrella stand and stool from Lombok. They’re made by artisans in Indian and will really provide a sense of glamour to a hallway or room that is in need of a little face-lift.

‘Frette Design Umbrella Stand and Stool’ from Lombok

If you really want to inject some jungle fun into your interiors, there are all sorts of stylish ways to do so. For a talking point, these parrots on perches are just the ticket. They’re perfect if you like your home to have a sense of humour and are a great way to insert a jungle theme into your ornaments.

‘Parrots on a Perch’ from Graham and Green

There’s always a lot of fun to be had when picking out a lampshade, with each room there’s a chance to add some individuality and character. New to Rockett St George are these fantastic hand woven lampshades, which work wonderfully with the tropical theme. The frayed ends a reminiscent of grass skirts and the looks as whole feels as if it could be found in a lovely beachside cabana. A few in a cluster would set off the entire look with a swing.

‘Hand Woven Bamboo Basket Lampshade’ from Rockett St George

For an alternative tropical look for your ceiling lights, take a peek at these Kauai Lanterns from Oka. The playful tassels that rest on top of the shade come in three colours, rust, natural and blue. This design will mix really well with a stylish, contemporary interior that is in need of a little zing.

‘Kauai Lanterns’ from Oka

Give an extra little spurt of tropical spirit with this adorable, quirky flamingo light bulb from Rose & Grey, a super addition for kid’s room, or for an adults!

‘Flamingo Light Bulb’ from Rose & Grey

Bring your jungle theme back down to eye-level and to your table with these snazzy table accessories. For a simple yet effective piece of day-to-day tableware try these super sweet elephant shakers from Jonathan Adler, they’re almost impossibly cute.

‘Elephant Salt & Pepper Shakers’

And for an exciting and colourful table update, this dinner plate set from Anthropologie will really get your guests talking! An absolute sea of vivid colours and images, perfect for a summer’s evening or even to brighten up a cold wintery night.

‘Aperta Melamine Dinner Set’ from Anthropologie

There’s all sorts of tropical, jungle fun to be had with your interiors and you don’t need to be an explorer to find them!

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Vases for Springtime

It was always a popular opinion in my household that you could never have too many vases. Large ones, small ones, tall and stubby, wide and narrow, my mother’s collection of vases is rather impressive. Not only did this mean that my family home is constantly full of lovely flowers and plants, but it’s also full of beautiful vases to accompany them.

Now that the sun is shining away, and it’s finally starting to feel like spring, it’s time to give our homes that fresh spring makeover, and what better way to do so then by adding some amazingly designed vases and pots to your collection. Whether you have miles of space to play around with, or can just about squeeze a small pot in somewhere, walking into a room that has a beautiful plant or boutique and a decorative pot to match is always guaranteed to be a mood enhancer.

This Kali vase from Abigail Ahern really caught my eye, the aged dappled effect adds character. The pretty off-white ceramic colour will wonderfully complement some vivid green leaves overflowing from the top.

Kali Vase from Abigail Ahern

New from The White Company are these Mossed plant pots that come in a range of sizes. This look is created by coating the pots in yogurt and burying them in soil. The look has a rustic, urban feel about it and would look great with some tough, Mediterranean plants.

Mossed Plant Pot from The White Company

For more of a colourful touch, and something that would look fantastic even without flowers inside are these retro Mid-century Italian vases from Alfie’s Antique Market. They’re made to capture the attention of the room, and would make a superb statement grouped together on a side table or on top of a cabinet.

Carlo Moretti Vases from Alfie’s Antique Market

Interior Supply stock some super stylish contemporary pieces that never disappoint, including these intriguing deformed vases. It’s an interesting take on the classic glass vase that puts across a subtle yet distinctive look.

Glas Italia Transformer from Interior Supply

Not on the High Street have a wonderful collection of marbled cement pots that are a fantastic and inexpensive way to inject a dose of glamour into your interior. They’re the perfect solution if your porch, kitchen or conservatory is in need of a quick vamp, especially if you don’t want to break the bank!

Marbled Cement Mini Pots from Not on the High Street

Cactuses have been a hug trend over the past couple of years, filling up thousands of window sills and decorating an infinite amount of homes. From Abigail Ahern comes this interesting, cactus shaped vase that is perfect for all the cacti lovers out there! Pop a colourful flower or plant on top for a fun and modern feel.

Tall Cactus Vase from Abigail Ahern

Another mosey down the vintage lane to The Old Cinema, who always have a few hidden treasures within their midst, including this charming 1970s vase designed by potter Michael Cardew. I love the abstract striped effect and the almost diluting colours.

1972 Slipware Vase by Michael Cardew from The Old Cinema

If you’re into your sweet interiors, this adorable vase from Houseology is something to keep your eye on. The beautiful porcelain appears as if to be knitted, making a lovely effect.

Kinto Couture Knit Flower Vase from Houseology

For those who like to play around with historically classic decorative styles, this Chinoiserie-esque planter is something can be worked into dozens of different schemes, whether it’s to complement or to contrast, this piece could settle quite nicely into an interior or exterior of a home.

Chinoiserie Planter, Oka Direct

Fill your homes with bright and fun vases and wonderful florals and foliage to match!

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A Home Away from Home

Holidays during my childhood largely consisted of squeezing everything and everybody into a car and heading either up or down to Cornwall or the Lake District for a week. Holiday rentals to me seemed to be places that were stuck in time, a perfectly preserved overload of twee-ness, with excessive amounts of ruffles and dusty fake flowers, and while some managed to maintain the endearing nature of the property, others were unfortunately interior design disaster zones.

With so many holiday rentals around in Britain, and with the ever-rising popularity of Airbnb, we thought it rather fitting to give a little guide on how to make your holiday home that extra bit special, and making it an appealing, exciting place to be that will make people want to fight for the chance to stay there instead of running for the hills!

There are some wonderfully simple ways to turn a holiday home into a small haven. The high season for holiday goers is always summer and spring, therefore making the most out of your outdoor space is a sure fire way to bring smile to your renters face. Creating large, comfy communal areas is vital, and spaces that easily convert from day to night even more so. Making sure there is enough lighting, be it in the form of candles, lanterns or even making an investment in some chic permanent outdoor lighting will create the perfect relaxing vibe your holiday home needs, and will go hand-in-hand with some amazing outdoor furniture.

‘Luccombe Outdoor Set’ from Oka Direct

Whether you have a beautiful garden or a spectacular view, an outdoor space is enhanced a hundred times over with the addition of fantastic outdoor furniture. If you tend to cater to big groups, purchasing a set that can be used as a large all-in-one or broken up into smaller arrangements is the best seating solution. This set from Oka is a lovely modern rattan alternative to the dated wicker conservatory furniture that tends to be a staple in holiday homes.

For more intimate seating areas there are some adorable ideas that can really give an extra added touch, this loveseat from Oka is so stunning and if you have a small cottage, perfect for a romantic getaway, items like this are the icing on the cake.

‘Tendril Metal Garden Loveseat’ from Oka Direct

If you don’t want to have to re-mortgage your actual home in order to kit out your holiday rental, there are some charming, inexpensive ways to do so, I actually rather like this Bistro set from Homebase, which would make a sweet addition on a patio, perfect for a enjoying a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down.

‘Folding Metal Bistro Set’ from Homebase

When it comes to holiday rentals, it’s the extra added touches that make a renter a returning customer. Making them smile, whether they realise it or not, from simple home accessory additions will mean that they only think positively about your letting and will want to come back year after year. A beautiful parasol like this one from Hen and Hammock inserts individuality and character into an interior, so even if the rest of your furniture is simple and understated one extra added touch will make all the difference.

‘Indonesian Parasol’ from Hen and Hammock

Another insertion of charm could come in the form of a creative and wonderfully designed plant pot. Adding a little greenery to a garden is a great way to give a little oomph, and sourcing a lovely pot is an added bonus.

‘Wafture Planter’ from Anthropologie

Flowers will automatically brighten up any interior, the added spurt of colour adds excitement and vitality. However, holiday homes in my experience tend to replace with fresh with fake, while this is a much more viable option for a holiday home, the flowers always seem to be dusty and ever so rubbery looking. Throwing out your old fake flowers and purchasing some new ones will guarantee to make your holiday homes look ten times more modern and ten times less stuffy! For high quality florals that won’t break the bank head to Funky Bunch or An Angel At My Table, but ditch the typical gerbera flower and opt for something more sophisticated and elegant like peonies or hydrangeas or some wild flowers.

‘Short Pink Blossom’ from Funky Bunch

‘Soft Pink and Blush Hydrangeas’ from An Angel At My Table

A few small changes to the foundations of the house are a great way to modernise an older property and give character to a new one. Switching some unexciting door knobs for some interesting ones is an easy way to reinvent the look or theme of a house with minimal effort. These door handles from Rockett St George are super stylish and will look amazing with multiple design schemes.

‘Talia Ceramic Door Handle’ from Rockett St George

For an even quicker transformation, upgrading a dated and probably slightly mouldy doormat will instil your guests comfort and style right from the get-go, and a simple yet stunning design like this one will please almost any taste.

‘Black and Natural Simple Door Mat’ from Rockett St George

Finally, inserting some your town’s charm into your home is the perfect way to separate a holiday home from a regular one. As long as you don’t go too overboard with a theme (we know we’re by the sea no need for the nautical paraphernalia reminders), then a little small town charm can be quite lovely. A few antiques from a local shop or some paintings or prints of the local landscape, landmark or by a local artist can really do the trick.

‘Cambridge’ by Glynn Thomas from Cambridge Contemporary Art

So with a little spruce and just the right amount of whimsy a beautiful holiday home is just around the corner, just in time for summer!

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Walking in a Winter Wonderland

As soon as the clock strikes 00:01 on December 1^st it seems that Christmas decorations are being put up left, right and centre. If the thought of seeing a house covered head to toe in flashing lights fills you with an ever-growing Scrooge type feeling then don’t worry there are hundreds of alternative ways to decorate your home other than the dreaded red and green tinsel!

Whether you’re busy ordering a turkey, buying presents or figuring out how on earth you’re going to house all those guests and you don’t have time to scout about for the Christmas decorations then don’t worry as we’ve put together a failsafe list of beautiful adornments that are not just quick fixes to getting into the festive spirit, but are pieces that will look good all through winter, and in some cases all year round!

‘Black and Gold Tassel Garland’ and ‘Assorted Black and Gold Pinwheel Decorations’ both from Rockett St George

These decorations are a really great way to vamp up your home for the holidays without going overboard. The tassel garland is a modern alternative to tinsel and both sets of decorations add a touch of sophistication and simplicity to your home, allowing you to steer clear of the stereotypical tinsel and glitter. They’re perfect for a last minute festive spruce or for an impromptu gathering or party.

Usually when we hear the words Christmas and decorations in the same sentence we do not immediately think of understated glamour, but there are some beautifully elegant decorative pieces out there at the moment that will enhance the existing elegance of your home instead of demolishing it with garish colours.

‘Ultimate Beaded Star’ from The White Company

This star from The White Company is minimalist elegance and minimal effort. If you’re not big on the bling, this is the perfect piece as it isn’t overtly festive and can be incorporated into an already existing scheme and can be the subtle hint needed for an understated, laid back Christmas look.

‘Evensong Lanterns’ from Anthropologie

Another way to create a festive atmosphere without using traditional Christmas ornaments are with these stylish Evensong Lanterns from Anthropologie. They are a beautiful way to create a welcoming ambience in your home and will look just as lovely all year round.

If you’re panicked about having all those extra guests come to stay this year, the best way to relax is with a nice glass of wine and where better to keep those extra bottles you’ll be in need of this Christmas than with a lovely portable wine rack like this one from Oka Direct.

‘Pyramide Wine Rack’ from Oka Direct

Another stunning addition is this Bamboo Tray from Oka Direct, ideal for passing around cheese and crackers or coffees, and is a great item that can be used over and over again in everyday life when Christmas is over.

‘Bamboo Tray’ from Oka Direct

Centrepieces for the table at Christmas are a great way to set the tone, and having some wonderful candle holders can make your style mark without being over the top.

‘Aristocratic Animal Tapers’ from Anthropologie

I absolutely love these Animal Tapers, they remind me of Wind in the Willows, something that I always used to watch as a child every Christmas, and they will make gorgeous table decorations that are the perfect combination of fun and sophistication for everyone at the dinner table to enjoy.

For a contemporary feel to the table, Houseology has some excellent candle holders, that are suitable for all year round use as well.

‘Design House Stockholm Lotus Hurricane Lantern’ from Houseology

‘Eichholtz Okhto Black Candle Holder’ from Houseology

The hurricane lantern is perfect for those who love all things minimal and contemporary and the black candle holders would look magical dotted around a table, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

These eye-catching pieces from Anthropologie are beautiful and the metallic element creates a glamourous festive spirit.

‘Dipped Mercury Glass Hurricane Lanterns’ from Anthropologie

Hopefully we’ve given you not only a few ideas about how to decorate your home this holiday season, but some lovely decorations for all year round, as a beautiful home is for life, not just for Christmas!

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