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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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Last month I wrote a blog on the best of garden furniture around at the moment, but sometimes we’re not ready to make a big change just yet. Instead adding a few garden accessories is a wonderful way to introduce a bit of character and individuality to your shrubbery, after all the devil is in the detail.

Overtime, adding small and interesting details to your garden will gradually build up layers of design in the same way you would add ornaments and accessories to a home. The gradual process allows the garden to grow around each added ornament to create an organic, natural looking but well garnished garden. There are all sorts of ways to adorn your garden, and here I offer a look at some of my favourite outdoor accessories.

‘Vintage caddy lanterns’ from Hen & Hammock

Follow an industrial theme with these sweet vintage lanterns, if your patio is in need of a little sprucing up quickly something like these are perfect. They have more character than your average set found in Homebase and over the course of the summer you’re sure to get heaps of use of them, and can always be brought inside during the winter months.

If you’d like to add a little contemporary edge to your garden, these suave and sophisticated plant potters from Graham & Green are an interesting find. The weathered metal look takes away that awkward new and shiny phase that doesn’t always suit garden furniture and accessories, and instead will make the pots seem settled into their new home.

‘Weathered metal planters’ from Graham & Green

For an even sleeker and chic look Rowen & Wren have some ultra-contemporary, stylish outdoor pieces in their collection ready to fix up your outside areas. These wall planters for example are the perfect modern containers for herbs or small flowers, it’s the ideal purchase for the novice gardener who’s looking to slowly grow their garden in style.

‘Sola brass wall planter’ from Rowen & Wren

Another brilliant piece from Rowen & Wren is this hanging lantern, its swish design makes it ideal for those late night summer parties or dinners. Try buying a few and hanging them in a cluster at different height levels for a wonderful, bold effect.

‘Hanging brass sky lantern’ from Rowen & Wren

For a magical, mystical theme Cox & Cox have you covered, if you’re brave enough and really want to make a statement or just a modern fairyland, a few of these lampshade dotted around your garden will do just the trick.

‘Battery powered lacy lampshade’ from Cox & Cox

While we’re on the subject of fairy-tales and mystery, add a hint of Alice in Wonderland to your outdoor area with these tea cup bird feeders. In the distance they’ll appear as if they’re floating and hopefully will attract some lovely birds to your garden.

‘Tea cup and saucer bird feeder’ from Not on the High Street

If you enjoy something with a little more of a traditional aesthetic, but aren’t into the ordinary, check out these rather adorable rusty chickens from Cox & Cox, they’ll add a little quirk and country chic to your home, plus they’re a lot less hassle then the real ones!

‘Rusty red hens’ from Cox & Cox

A sure crowd pleaser at a garden party are these magnificent torches from Rockett St George, with four variations available mix and match and illuminate your garden or highlight a pathway.

‘Garden torches’ from Rockett St George

Create a zen-like atmosphere, and bring out your inner bohemian with this dainty but daring wind chime from Anthropologie. It’s perfect from making a bland area a little more personal and is something that can be enjoyed all year round, though perhaps in winter maybe just by looking out of a window!

‘Cortazira chime’ from Anthropologie

And last but definitely not least, give you garden a little exotic feel with these glorious lanterns from Rockett St George, they’re just the thing to give your area a zing of intrigue and a relaxing ambience.

‘Rhiad blue lanterns’ from Rockett St George

There are all sorts of garden goodies to decorate your outdoor areas with, and a chance to really get creative in small and delicate ways.

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