Bathroom Beautification

Just like any other room in the house, a bathroom needs a stamp of personality. With just the bare necessities, and even a lovely set of sanitary ware, pretty tiles and nice flooring, you’ll always needs a few extra things to make the room feel comfortable and lived-in. From practical items like hand towels, to fun accessories, there are all sorts of way to add your own personal touch a bathroom.

A quick update of your hand towels, bath mats or shower curtains can be an easy way to give your bathroom a fresh look and create a scheme that matches the aesthetic of the rest of the house. Patterned shower curtains can sometimes look a little garish, but this soft toned curtain from H&M Home has a relaxed, bohemian style that gives a bathroom an interesting look.

Patterned Shower Curtain from H&M Home

Adding some new textures to a bathroom really help to make the room feel less stark. A bare bathroom, especially one that is modern can feel a little clinical, so adding in textures can soften the room and give it a more diverse colour palette. These hand towels from Amara, have some metallic flair to give you bathroom a touch of fun glam.

Lark Hand Towels from Amara

A few candles in the room can not only help to add some ambiance, (there’s nothing worse than trying to have a relaxing bath in bright, glaring light), but they can also add style if you find the right ones. This candle wall sconce has a beautiful Moroccan style to it, and would look good as a pair framing a bath, or basin.

Medina Wall Sconce from Angel & Boho

If you have a large window sill, or a shelving area, a few pretty lanterns can make a really nice feature, as well as being a handy source of relaxing light. This lantern from India Jane has an aged iron frame, add it to a collection of mismatched lanterns for a romantic, bohemian look.

Bertucci Iron Lantern from India Jane

Sometimes little touches like keeping your liquid soap in a nice dispenser can make your bathroom feel clean and tidy as it means getting rid of all those mismatching and ugly branded bottles. This contemporary set from H&M Home is rather smart with the tinted glass and white label front.

Soap Dispenser from H&M Home

A mirror is not only a practical item in your bathroom but can be a decorative one too; finding a design that matches the look you’re going for will enhance the overall feel of the room. If the person who designed the layout of your bathroom rather stupidly put the basin in front of the window, you’ll need a standing mirror. I like this simple one from Maison du Monde with a thin, black frame.

Metal Table Mirror from Maison du Monde

Keep things like cotton balls in a stylish container like this one from Nkuku; it’s a great way to add instant style and personality to the room and to mundane household items.

Bequai Star Pot from Nkuku

The accessories don’t always have to accommodate items or have a practical use, just like in any room a few trinkets and treasures in your bathroom can really give it the finishing touch. A few glass vases that you can add plants and flowers to will help lift the room; if you get a lot of light go for fresh, but if not faux will do the job nicely. I like these jar vases from Pale and Interesting matched with these faux leaf branches from Angel & Boho.

Glass Jar Vases from Pale and Interesting

Leaf Branches from Angel & Boho

Or something like this zinc stand, with a colourful boutique in it, or you could use it as decorative storage, like storing soaps or bathroom paraphernalia.

Zinc Stand from Pale and Interesting

Artwork isn’t always something you might remember to include in your bathroom, but it’s actually a great place to hang it. You may want to go for something a little wilder than you might put elsewhere, as you don’t have to look at it call the time, or you might want to use your art as a way for your bathroom to stay in keeping with the rest of the house. This cactus print would make an interesting piece to have in your bathroom, or these little Hare blocks would look lovely on a window sill or shelving unit.

Limited Edition Botanical Art Print from Rose & Grey

Hare Standing Block from Cox & Cox

Bathrooms, just like any other house have a purpose but also need to feel like they have a personality and a uniqueness to them; adding in the perfect accessories to suit you, your taste and your bathroom means you will create a great space in your home.

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Botanical Abode

Using a botanical element in your home, whether it’s big or small, can really make an uplifting difference to your interiors. It’ll give you a constant fresh and light feeling, so that even on a rainy day there’s a little life in your rooms. There are some great ways to get creative with botanical interiors, and something to suit everyone.

Botanical Leaves in Frames from The Lovely Drawer via Pinterest

A collection of cuttings from real plants and bushes is a beautiful way to create a botanical presence in your home and fill a wall or room with some alternative artwork. You could use a whole garden of different types, or stick to one plant, using varied sizes of frames and cuttings for an interesting look. Nkuku have a wonderful selection of glass frames in, Antique Brass, Zinc, Copper and Silver finishes, so you’ll sure to find whatever look your trying to create.

Antique Brass Kiko Frame from Nkuku

Botanical prints are also a great way to introduce the theme into your home. They’d look lovely as a feature in a bathroom or guest bedroom. I love this print found on Pinterest; a vintage find which looks like it straight from a textbook or poster showing the different types of plants. It’s also an interesting look combining the botanical print with real-life plants, giving a 3D and interactive effect.

Vintage Botanical Print from Vibeke Design via Pinterest

These days you can find beautiful vintage prints on places like Etsy, or if you have a good root around some antique shops. I found this colourful print on Etsy, and would make a lovely base to a vintage collection or situated over a writing desk or console.

Botanical Chart from Bonnie and Bell at Etsy

A botanical print doesn’t have to be vintage though; if you’d prefer a contemporary take on the style, you could use something like this eucalyptus print from Desenio. It’s simple and elegant and would look gorgeous put in a set of three on a wall.

Eucalyptus Poster from Desenio

Go one step further than prints and really make an impact with botanical wallpaper. If you want to make a statement in a room a bold botanical print may be just what you need. Little Greene has the most glorious pattern, Upper Brook Street in Minuit will really light up a room. The pink and green really grabs your attention, while the dark background makes it amenable with a larger design scheme.

Upper Brook Street in Minuit from Little Greene

If you’ve fallen in love with the succulent trend that’s been happening over the last few years; take it one step further with this playful wallpaper. It’s got a slight Western feel to it, and would back a great little print for a downstairs loo.

The Rediscovered Paradise Succulents by Mind the Gap from Rockett St George

If that’s all a little too much for you, and you want to take things slow, introducing the theme through some cushions can be a great way to start off. This Fern print cushion from Rose & Grey is cool and contemporary; the perfect companion for a mid-century leather armchair.

Fern Printed from Rose & Grey

Finally, why not create a real life (or almost) botanical display with these faux roots and stems from Angel & Boho. A lovely way to create a unique botanical display in your home.

Rooted Branch Specimen from Angel & Boho

A little bit of botanical charm is good for the soul and your home, so find something that’s perfect for you and enjoy your fun and creative interior.

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Just Kidding

As the kids go back to school this month, it got me thinking about how they need somewhere in the house to do all that homework they’re about to receive! Having a dedicated space which is relaxing and interesting means that it may make homework time just that little bit easier. In the same way you’d want to fix up your own home-office space to feel like a stylish part of your home, it can also be done for your kid’s workspace too! Whether it’s a whole room dedicated to the cause, or a smaller space in their bedroom, there are loads of different ways to create the right space, for little ones and for teenagers.

A playroom in the home is a great space for children to have fun in, but as they get older they may need to use the room to study in as well, so finding the right balance between the two is key. I love the look of this room below; it’s a lively, open space that’s full of colour. The interesting shelving units keep the toys at bay whilst homework takes place, and the large table and bean bags instead of chairs gives off a more relaxed vibe, making it suitable for switching in between homework and fun; a good idea for younger kids who don’t need such a regimented work space.

A playroom-homework space combination from Lonny Magazine via Pinterest

I love the idea of using bean bags as a form of seating for your child’s space; making it feel like it’s strictly for kids. However, there are some rather stylish bean bags that, as an adult, I still kind of want. This arrow design from Not on the High Street is lovely, it’s fun enough for little ones, but also has a grown up style that’ll continue to be cool as they get older.

Children’s Monochrome Bean Bag with Arrows by Tillyanna from Not on the High Street

If you have a large, beautiful table that’s perfect for the kid’s but you don’t want it forever ruined with pen marks and spillages, investing in a plastic table cover is a good way to go. While I’ve seen some pretty ghastly plastic table covers in my time, they’re not all bad. This clear plastic cover with polka dots from Table Protect Direct is the best of both worlds; sophisticated enough to fit in with your existing design scheme, but fun enough for a kid’s space.

Crystal Clear White Spot Vinyl Table Cloth from Table Protect Direct

Giving your children a stylish place to work in their bedroom means that not only will you get your own space back, but they’ll be more inclined to work there if it feels grown up and personal. It’s also a good idea if you need the work space to be in a bedroom, that you make the space its own individual area so that you can separate work from the rest of the room. I love the look of this work space created for a child; white furniture with pastel accents creates an inviting and fun area which can easily be incorporated into an existing bedroom scheme.

A white and pastel work space for a child from Claire Archibald via Pinterest

A good desk for a kid’s bedroom must be both durable and stylish enough to last for years. A simple design that can be adapted with accessories over time is a good investment, and it’ll help turn a work area into a place where the kid’s want to be. This desk from La Redoute is a great buy; the white lacquered top and interestingly shaped wooden legs gives it a sophisticated but playful feel; with just a hint of mid-century to it.

Jimi’s Child Desk from La Redoute

While it’s important to let your child have their own style, sometimes you’ll find that they might want to copy yours (at least for a few years!) So finding miniature versions your own style for your kid’s workspace is a great way to encourage them to work and feel more grown up, especially if you too are at your own desk working. I really like this child’s version of the clear plastic chair design by Kartell that’s been making the rounds for a while now, all it needs is the addition of a seat cushion, something fun like a faux fur sheepskin, to give some extra comfort and style.

Loulou Ghost Children’s Chair in Light Blue by Kartell from Amara

If you’re limited on space in your child’s bedroom, using some wall-mounted shelves instead of free-standing ones can save you a whole bunch of room. These wooden shelving boxes from Maison du Monde are a good buy, they’ll be able to hold a lot of stuff, plus they’re a fun, colourful way to be organised.

Multi-coloured Wooden Shelves from Maison du Monde

As your kids turn into teenagers, giving them their own homework space is even more important. This beautifully designed space is a perfect, mature room; there aren’t any childish items that’ll annoy the brooding teenager, instead they’re presented with somewhere stylish, making them feel more like an adult.

Grown up work space from Interior Blog Awards via Pinterest

A large desk, which is stylish and has space for written and computer work doesn’t have to cost a fortune; Ikea have a rather elegant design to hand. The Alex desk is a simple style that’ll appease all teenage tastes; and will look good in any interior scheme.

Alex Desk from Ikea

Giving your teenager some interesting prints to put up on the wall of their homework area will also help to make it feel more mature. Desenio do some cheap but stylish prints, like this banana leaf print of artsy world map, both of which would feel at home in a teenage work spot.

Banana Leaf Print from Desino

World Map Print from Desenio

Creating a space for your kids to work in doesn’t mean having to skip out on style. You can make high functioning areas that can still look good and feel fun; making the mission to get all the homework complete just a touch more interesting for both you and your child.

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Mum’s The Word

As if by magic we seemed to have powered through almost the first two months of 2016 which means we’re nearing the month of March and onto another special occasion, Mother’s Day! As we are trying to stick to our resolutions of being more organised this year we’ve already dug up some wonderful gift ideas for our beloved mothers.

Instead of purchasing the usual gifts of flowers, which will wither away in just a few days, or chocolates, that will disappear in a mere matter of minutes, at Angel + Blume we want to think outside the box and give something a little more permanent as a present that mums can treasure forever.

Whatever style or taste you mum likes, be it quirky, traditional, nature-loving or contemporary, we’ve got something that will make her smile from ear to ear this Mothering Sunday.

For all the mothers who follow a traditional sense of style, and love adorning their homes in lovely little trinkets An Angel at my Table, as always, has some absolutely beautiful home accessories.

Glory Be! & Amour Tea Towels from An Angel at my Table

 

These beautiful floral printed tea towels will add a lovely spurt of colour into any kitchen, and the added touch of some pom pom trimmings are a wonderful idea, so wonderful in fact that we think they may be best left as display items and not actually used for washing up!

Small White Country Jug from An Angel at my Table

A wonderful gift for a traditional style loving mum is this simple yet sophisticated jug, also from An Angel at my Table. The detailing around the side of the vase creates a lovely finish to the ceramic piece, making the jug ideally matched for a classic interior.

If, like mine, you mum has green fingers then opting for some nature related gifts will get two thumbs up. Thornback & Peel make some wonderful products with the some amazing designs that are the perfect combination of tradition and modern. I completely love this pea pod tray from the vibrant green colour to the herringbone inspired print.

Pea Pod Tray from Thornback & Peel

Another wonderful idea for all the nature loving mothers out there are these rather spectacularly designed plant pots from Not on the High Street. The aged copper Verdigris-like colour is stunning and helps make these pots a real feature piece.

Leaves Plant Pot from Not on the High Street

For a sweet little gift, and a flower that will last, this paper rose from Not on the High Street is simply marvellous, using printed text from novels the whole look has charm to boot.

Literary Paper Rose from Not on the High Street

If you hear the words ‘wonderfully wacky’ and your mind immediately wonders over to your mother, then taking the unconventional route and giving her some adorable and quirky gifts this Mother’s Day will fill her with joy. This cushion from Fine Cell Work featuring the ‘princess of fruits’, the pineapple will make a lovely addition to an array of scatter cushions. It’s a fun and playful item that will look good in any home.

Pineapple Cushion from Fine Cell Work

I love this quirky, full-to-the-brim of individuality vase from Rockett St George. It’ll make a fine talking point and will no doubt put a smile of everybody’s face. It’s full of character and is a perfect gift if your mum is too.

David Display Vase from Rocket St George

Last but not least if your mum is a bit of a cool cat, with a home to match, why not help her kit it out with some amazing and stylish pieces. Since the cold weather doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon a cosy blanket and cushions are most certainly in order. These hand woven, hand printed cushion and blanket are laid-back contemporary style at its best and will look great on a sofa or bed.

Hand Woven Cushions and Blanket from Bailey’s Home

I completely fell in love with this ceramic collection from Rockett St George, so much so that I may have to treat both myself and my mother to a set. The modern marble effect is a wonderful design for all the lovers of the classic contemporary style.

Indigo Storm Collection by Faye Toogood from Rockett St George

So there you have it, a sweet guide on what to buy your mum this Mother’ Day, or if you can’t resist a preview of all the lovely items you’ll be filling your own home with as well!

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Bohemian Romance from Mulberry

The newly launched Bohemian Romance collection from Mulberry is absolutely gorgeous. It is all that you expect from Mulberry who have always been brilliant at plaids, velvets and prints in the elegant country style but they have added additional colour and some fantastic new designs that bring their range right up to date. I am really excited about this collection and can’t wait to get my hands on the samples.

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Queen of prints

How lovely to hear Celia Birtwell on Radio 4 this morning talking about her long career as a leading textile designer.  It reminded me of just how creative and stylish her interiors fabrics and wallpapers are, and what a breath of fresh air this very talented and very British designer is.

Gloriana Flint on Belgian Linen

Isabella Grey on Cotton Twill

Jacobean at Night Sage on Belgian Linen

Mystic Daisy Slate & Hurricane Grey on Natural Linen

Posh Dot Slate & Hurricane Grey on Natural Linen

Sugar Plum Victoria Red on Belgian Linen

 

Beasties red on beige linen

 

And finally Little Animals red on beige linen which we used at a kitchen window a few years ago.

 

 

 

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Bloomin’ lovely

We saw the delicious new Woodville collection from Zoffany a couple of weeks ago, when Spring seemed a long way away, but now that the sun is shinning, the daffodils are out and the blossom is looking as beautiful as ever in Cambridge, we thought sharing these lovely images with you was the only right thing to do. The collection is gorgeous and if you have ever been tempted to consider a floral wallpaper, now could be the time!

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Gorgeous Suffolk

As a true East Anglia fan, I am ashamed to say that until last week, I had only fleetingly visited the Suffolk coast and I am delighted to report that I not only had a wonderful week in this beautiful county but I also uncovered some new treasures on the interiors front, and visited some old favourites.

My first find was Smoke and Fire in Darsham who make the most beautiful and creative tiles. Their decorative tiles are real works of art and I love the delicate colours of their plain tiles. I would highly recommend a visit to their showroom where the tiles are also made.

Two of my favourite lighting companies are based in Suffolk and I took the opportunity to visit both. The first is Bella Figura who have a head office and small showroom in Melton (their main showroom is in Chelsea Harbour) where they make their lighting, using glass brought over from Italy. The products are gorgeous and it was amazing to see the workshop and a selection of some of the new chandeliers that will not disappoint.

The other lighting company that I love and we have worked with for a long time is Jim Lawrence who have a fantastic showroom in Hadleigh that displays almost every product they have. They have more recently expanded into other homeware including fabrics, furniture and accessories and although it is generally their lighting that catches my eye, I couldn’t resist their new scented candle (pink pepper and green mandarin) which is delicate and delicious.

Woodbridge is a town that is really worth a visit and I made two brilliant discoveries there – the first was 10 Church Street which is a wonderful interiors shop selling a carefully selected mix of tasteful and stylish furniture, soft furnishings and accessories. Some of their products are on their website so it is worth keeping an eye on what they have in stock www.10churchstreet.co.uk

The second is a delightful business run by three sisters called Sant Studio which sells jewellery, textiles and home accessories. Everything in this delicious shop was tempting but the jewellery really caught my eye and they have just a few items on their website, although you really need to visit to see how lovely the stock is.

Last but not least is the fantastic Thorpeness Emporium – we were based in Thorpeness (which is lovely) so we visited almost everyday for a browse at the antiques and a cup of delicious coffee in the cafe. They also had an exhibition of gorgeous prints by a local artist called Liz Clark and if you are modernist or retro style inclined, these might appeal. I thought they were lovely.

I am now back and hard at work – customers of Angel and Blume will be pleased to hear – but I will be going back to the Suffolk coast as soon as I can, I am a convert!

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New work from Angela McKay

We love the illustrations of Angela McKay (not least because she is responsible for the beautiful drawing of our office building) and she has been busy recently producing new work which can be seen on her website. I have always loved her drawings of building that capture the character of a location so well, but the new images of dogs really made me smile. Here are just a few but there are lots more on her gorgeous website.

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The Home-Sewn Home

Gail Abbott has written many wonderful interiors books over the years and her latest in collaboration with Vanessa Arbuthnott is an absolute winner. The Home-Sewn Home is a collection of 50 step-by-step soft furnishings projects and each project is photographed showing the make in Vanessa Arbuthnott’s delightful fabrics. This is a really beautiful book and would make the perfect Christmas present for all domestic divas. Just a few of the many gorgeous photographs from the book are below.

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