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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The Great Outdoors

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning a beautiful garden for the season. From large pieces of furniture to the smaller details, creating a lovely outdoor area means you’re prepared for those rare sunny days and the warm evenings that follow. Whether you want to entertain a crowd or just make a cosy setup for yourself, there are plenty of ways to step up your outdoor game with some wonderful pieces.

‘Somerton Outdoor Dining Set’ from Cox & Cox

Add a little glamour to your alfresco dining by finding a suitable, but stylish table. This Somerton table and benches from Cox & Cox will give both contemporary and rustic elements to your outdoor area. The modern grey is a versatile colour and the long benches mean you can squeeze a few extra people around the table when you have guests over, making it a great table for spontaneous dinner parties. If you don’t need as much space, you can opt for something a little smaller like this Bistro table from Houseology, it’s more modern then your typical Bistro set, meaning you can adapt it to different types of settings.

‘Houseology Collection Grigio Bistro Set in Grey’ from Houseology

To stay out of the shade, and for the ultimate way to show off some style, a parasol is an outdoor must-have. If you’re looking for something really jaw-dropping, Sunbeam Jackie have a beautiful collection of ready-made parasols as well as doing bespoke versions if you really want to tailor it perfectly to your style. This Sunflowers in Blue piece is a gorgeous way to keep cool in the sun.

‘Sunflowers in Blue Parasol’ from Sunbeam Jackie

Another beautiful garden parasol comes from Rockett St George, this beaded piece will transform your back garden into an exotic paradise. It’s a great buy for making a style statement, adding fun and sophistication to your overall look.

‘Boho Beaded Cotton Garden Umbrella’ from Rockett St George

When the evenings get a little cold, gather round a gorgeous fire pit to keep yourself warm. This square aged brazier from Cox & Cox is a wonderful contemporary piece that’ll steal the show in your garden. The unusual shape and style will have people thinking you commissioned it yourself.

‘Square Rusty Brazier’ from Cox & Cox

To make sure you keep the light, a few garden accessories from The White Company are sure to do the trick. These crooks and lanterns will look amazing leading down a pathway or placed on the edge of a patio to give a party the perfect ambient lighting.

‘Metal Crooks and Torch Lanterns’ from The White Company

If you ever need a quick and inexpensive way to create a romantic and dreamy garden setting, fairy lights will never go amiss. This extra-long set from The White Company will allow you to cover your whole garden. Neatly decorate a bush or tree, or give some structural work a little make over like in the picture below; a rustic beam covered in fairy lights and a few branches turn something ordinary into a beautiful decorative charm.

‘Extra Long Fairy Lights’ from The White Company

Create the ideal hangout spot with this sweet crochet hammock from Graham and Green. It’s a great bohemian style and all you need to do is find some cushions to add into the mix and place your hammock in a hidden part of your garden, making it the perfect spot when you want to get away from the world.

‘Crochet Double Hammock’ from Graham & Green

If your garden is lacking a bit of space, you can always create the illusion of more with the use of mirrors; place on the garden wall where it’ll reflect the lawn or a collection of plants and it’ll make your space feel a little bigger. This mirror with some rustic shutters from Cox & Cox will add a bit of old, vintage charm to your garden, giving it its own character.

‘Outdoor Shutter Mirror’ from Cox & Cox

In order to keep your drink close by you on a hot day, you’ll need a few side tables to accompany your outdoor chairs. This bistro style table from Garden Trading is a charming little number that will go with most styles and a great way to finish off a seating area.

‘Rive Droite Bistro Tray Table in Charcoal’ from Garden Trading

For a touch of decorative flair on your outdoor side or coffee table, a few hurricane lanterns will really complete the look. These candle holders from West Elm are the perfect way to dress an outdoor table; the various heights and colours gives depth and range to the collection, making them both stylish and a great way to keep the garden feeling cosy late into the evening.

‘Pure Glass Hurricanes’ from West Elm

While there is always a slim chance that we might not get a sun-filled summer, you can still guarantee a beautiful one with some amazing pieces of outdoor furniture and some charming accessories.

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Festive Fancies

If you’re entertaining over the holidays, whether it’s a big party or an intimate dinner, hosting can be made a hundred times simpler with some wonderful tableware pieces that are ready to wow your guests. Whether you’re into the glitz and glam of Christmas or prefer a more low-key or humorous affair there’s always something for everyone. Here are just a few wonderful products that can help turn a party into an amazing evening.

‘Golden Hour Table Runner’ from Anthropologie

Working from the bottom up, an easy way to lay some foundations for a great looking table is with a runner. Gold for a special occasion, this runner from Anthropologie is a great way to give your table an extra little vamp to get into the holiday spirit.

Smoke glasses are all the rage right now, but equally have a classic, timeless look. This decanter from Holly’s House is rather elegant, its lovely shape will look just a pretty filled with water or red wine.

‘Smoke Glass Decanter’ from Holly’s House

If you want your glassware to look in sync with one another but not too matchy-matchy, using pieces that follow the same kind of style but with different characteristics will do the trick nicely. Pairing this decanter with these fabulous champagne flutes from Anthropologie will make the perfect match. You could stick to just one colour for the flutes or make your table a little more colourful by mixing it up.

‘Hearken Flutes’ from Anthropologie

Staying on the glamorous party theme, these metallic glassware serving dishes from Anthropologie are sure to be a crowd pleaser. The lace-like metallic effect goes hand-in-hand with the Christmas spirit but will also work exceptionally well on any other day of the year, they’ll give you table setting that extra added touch of magic.

‘Metallic Lace Dinnerware’ from Anthropologie

If you like to add a little humour to your table, but still want to maintain a wonderful style you can do so with a few little, fun pieces will work wonders with your guests. I love these flamingo salt and pepper shakers from Rockett St George, they are so charming and a great, playful addition to mix among your plates and glasses.

‘Flamingo Salt and Pepper Shaker’ from Rockett St George

Another equally sweet, and also animal themed, product for your table is this wonderful whale bottle opener from Graham & Green. He looks almost like an ornament, but with a secret hidden feature to help you out. Both of these little additions will looks brilliant on a table, but would also make lovely little gifts this Christmas!

‘Moby Dick Bottle Opener’ from Graham & Green

If you want to add little rustic charm to your table, these napkin holders from Neptune are a great idea. Made from rattan, they’re a great way to accessorize a table if you want keep things a little understated, and will look great paired with some linen napkins in a neutral colour.

‘Ashcroft Napkin Holders’ from Neptune

Presenting your food well is half the battle when it comes to pulling off a dinner party, therefore beautiful serving bowls and dishes are a must, and even if you’re not having a fancy dinner, they can really make something simple look like something from a photoshoot. I love this black and white dish from Rockett St George, the pattern is humble yet so effective and will give your dish an extra flair.

‘Dipped Black and White Oven Dish’ from Rockett St George

If you are having a larger amount of guests, you may need a stylish platter to serve your nibbles on, this charger from The White Company is sure to do the trick.

‘Rectangular Mirror Charger’ from The White Company

Even if you’re having more of a low-key style party, having a pretty serving dish can make all the difference. These indigo bowls from Holly’s House have a great, relaxed vibe about them, making them perfect for an informal gathering.

‘Indigo Rain Serving Set’ from Holly’s House

Finally, for a little ambience, a candle or two on the table will make the world of difference. You’re probably more than likely to already own a whole range of candle holders and have them dotted around your home, but for a dining room table you can’t go wrong with a lovely long stem holder. This King of Hearts candlestick holder from Jonathan Adler is fantastic, its reversible design shows off both a king and a queen and is both a stylish and fun piece to have at your table.

‘Utopia Reversible King of Heart Candle Holder’ from Jonathan Adler

A festive party is a great way to have some fun over the holidays, and with so many amazing ways to decorate your table, you’ll want to have a party everyday!

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Be Our Guest

When you start to plan how your guest bedroom should look, it’s a whole other ball game to decorating a permanent bedroom within your house. A regular bedroom must accommodate the day-to-day needs of its occupants, and there must be an equal balance between style and functionality, but since occupancy of a guest room is sporadic, there are a different set of rules to decorating the space. Here are some tips for making the most out of your guest bedroom and making it feel like a home for your visitors.

Finding a nice range of permanent decorative features for a guest bedroom will mean that it is always ready, making sure you have one less thing to panic about when a scheduled guest arrives and you’re completely covered if you get a surprise visit. Though fresh flowers are always a plus, creating a foundation of faux flowers is a great way to keep a guest bedroom looking finished at all times. There are hundreds of high quality faux flowers to choose from these days, but at Angel + Blume we adore the selection from Abigail Ahern. If you want, you can opt for seasonal colours or types of flowers, but if you’re looking for something to suit your room all year round, you can’t go wrong with some fresh looking, white or cream flowers.

‘Abigail Ahern Cream Hydrangea Stem’ from Rose Grey

To house the flowers, finding the right, beautiful vase can add a delicate and effortless sense of style to a room. Choosing something simple but with a hint of character means it’ll keep its charm for a longer period, and finding a piece with a classic style means that you won’t have to worry about replacing it for a while. Something like this LSA International polka vase design is a great piece, its contemporary style gives it an exciting edge but the design isn’t too daring or bold, meaning that the vase will appeal to most people’s tastes who stay in the room. The lightly tinted glass is also a pretty alternative to a plain glass vase.

‘Polka Vase’ from LSA International

More often than not, a guest bedroom tends to be one of the smallest bedrooms in a house, mainly because we need the larger rooms to accommodate a larger amount of needs and functions. Therefore you can often find that you might be short of storage space in your guest bedroom. Though you definitely don’t need as much closet space for you guests as you would for any permanent members of the household, there are all sorts of ways to make up a little room for their clothes and belongings. Finding something like an armoire that combines both a chest of drawers and a hanging area will save a whole load of floor space. This armoire from The White Company is gorgeous and will perfectly complement a whole range of styles. It can become an interesting feature on its own accord, plus its storage capacity will be super handy if you have guests that are staying for a week or longer, (or if they just bring a lot of stuff!)

‘Provence Armoire’ from The White Company

If you are more restricted on space, a luggage holder is a great solution. If there is no room for your guest to properly unpack, you can make the whole thing look a lot more appeasing by providing a designated place for them to put their suitcase of bag. It will bring the luggage off the floor which will give the idea of more space in the room, and give a cleaner, more thought-out look. They are a whole range of styles to pick from for your luggage holder, but if you’re looking for one that is simple and effective, Garden Trading have wonderful design.

‘Weekend Folding Luggage Rack’ from Garden Trading

You can always make use of your storage requirements and use them to help decorate the room. These copper trunks from Maisons du Monde are great for keeping extra towels or blankets in for your guests, or even if you need to use the storage to keep things in for yourself, your guests will be none the wiser if it’s disguised in a pretty, decorative trunk!

‘2 Victoire Copper Finish Trunks’ from Maisons du Monde

Providing the perfect bed, both comfort and style-wise, is a sure fire way to make sure that your guests have the best possible stay. If you want to go all out with a beautiful frame of head board you can, but if not you can always make a bed area look one hundred times more appealing with some lovely linens and accessories. Investing in some high quality linens is a good way to make sure the room looks fresh and elegant all year round. The Linen Works are always a great idea if you need some top-quality bedsheets. This Parisian blue is an absolute stunner and is the perfect combination of rustic charm and sophistication.

‘Parisian Blue Linen’ from The Linen Works

Cushions and throws are the perfect way to add a little bit of character to your guest room, without your guests being overloaded. If you’re guests have a wide range of style and tastes, you may want to create a neutral setting for your guest room, but to avoid the room looking stiff, adding some individuality in the form of soft furnishings is a great solution. This big tasseled throw from Rockett St George is completely charming and the perfect way to finish off a guest room’s look.

‘Annette Moroccan Throw with Tassels’ from Rockett St George

The same can be said for this gorgeous selection of cushions from Graham & Green. The tassel detailing is a sweet little finish that’ll put a smile of your guest’s faces.

‘Avignon Cushions’ from Graham & Green

In order to really make your guest bedroom feel like a home instead of a space that’s just been thrown together to make room for your visitors, the inclusion of some larger furniture can go a long way. If you have the room, adding a sofa or armchair can make your guest feel like they have their own little space in your home to relax in if they (or both of you) need a little moment to yourselves. This armchair from West Elm is the perfect piece to complete a guest room look. The mid-century styles means that it isn’t bulky and won’t take up any unnecessary room, but will still look stylish and be comfy.

‘Mid-century Armchair’ from West Elm

Likewise, adding a dainty writing desk to a guest room can give it extra style. There is no need for a practical, oversized desk that might be needed for an office or study, instead in a guest room you can opt for a sweet, petite desk that is full of style and grace. I love it colonial style desk from Maisons du Monde, it’s the perfect size to complete the look of an idyllic guest bedroom.

‘Explorateur Stained Solid Teak Desk’ from Maisons du Monde

Creating your perfect guest bedroom is almost like creating a little fairy-tale space in your home that needn’t adhere to the functional requirements of a permanently used space. Instead you can make a wonderful haven area that is so good you’ll guests may never want to leave.

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Glorious Garden Furniture

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

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

‘Rattan Garden Furniture’ from Habitat

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

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

‘Palmeral Parasol’ from House of Hackney x Sunbeam Jackie

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

‘Round Concrete Garden Stools’ from Habitat

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

‘Hanging Chair’ from The White Company

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

‘Maffam Manu Nest Hanging Chair’ from Encompass

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

‘Adirondack Chair and Foot Stool’ from The White Company

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

‘Saga Armless Sofa’ from Roche Bobois

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

‘Viteo Home Swing Set’ from Encompass

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

‘Escapade Outdoor Sofa’ from Roche Bobois

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

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Child’s Play

 

One of the upsides about designing a playroom, nursery or kid’s room in a home is that you’re given the chance to have a little more fun than usual, and create some design schemes that are equally about playfulness as well as functionality. Though the room is labelled a ‘kids room’ the chances are the adults will be spending just as much time in there are the little ones, so why not create a space that both the kids and the adults enjoy being in.

From walls to accessories, whether you want to go all in, or create a space that can be adapted as your children get older, there are hundreds of exciting decorating ideas for your child’s room that are too hard to resist. I’ve chosen some stylish products that’ll make your kid’s room your new favourite hangout spot.

‘Cranes in Flight’ from the Palmetto collection by Harlequin

I’ve admired this wallpaper from Harlequin for a while now and it’s just absolutely beautiful, and perfect for a nursey. The flying cranes and dreamy clouds will create a sweet, tranquil space turning a wall into a visual lullaby. It also comes in six different colourways from platinum to emerald to suit all kinds of taste.

For a robust piece of furniture that can stand a few knocks, this letter head chest of drawers from Loaf can also be a hand learning tool. The style of the finish is ideal if you’re into an industrial or contemporary look and don’t want to interrupt the flow of your interior’s scheme.

‘Letter head chest of drawers’ from Loaf

Another gem from Loaf are these sweet knitted pouffes, great if you want to add some soft furnishings to your play area, as well being a suitable candidate to transfer to a teenagers room.

‘Bug pouffes’ from Loaf

A really easy way to add some individuality to a kid’s room, that won’t break the bank and are easily removed as hobbies or interests change, are wall stickers. There are an abundance of styles around that range from big to small, two of my favourites are these sweet penguin silhouettes from Brume and these enchanting birch trees from Not on the High Street.

‘Penguin Wall Stickers’ from Brume

‘Birch Tree Forest Wall Stickers’ from Not on the High Street

There is always so much fun to be had when choosing lighting for a room, and in a child’s room you can really mix it up. Even if your child isn’t scared of the dark, night lights are a must for the amazing designs alone! This castle light from The White Company is absolutely adorable and would make a wonderful, calming presence perched on a bookcase or chest of drawers.

‘Castle Light’ from The White Company

Another fun design comes from Not on the High Street in the form of this stylish moon light.

‘Moon Night Light’ from Not on the High Street

To outshine the glow in the dark stars that pretty much adorned all bedroom ceilings when I was younger, opt for these show stopping, carnival-esque star lights that will give a fun, decorative feel to a playroom. The bright yellows and blue are perfect to form an imaginative and creative space, or go for the white stars if you want a classic style that will be enjoyed by your child as they move into their teens.

‘Carnival Star Light’ from Not on the High Street

For something a little softer, Lolly & Boo have some sweet lampshade designs in lovely pastel colours. I particularly like this fun elk pattern that will add a bit of whimsy and character to a room.

‘Elk Family Drum Lampshade’ from Lolly & Boo

And finally, I couldn’t resist this delightful cloud garland from The White Company, superb for a nursery and helping your little ones drift off to sleep.

‘Cloud Garland’ from The White Company

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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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Remedies for beating those January blues!

For many people the words January and sale mean finding the latest bargains at a favourite clothing store, however at Angel + Blume, the January sales also means being able to get our hands on some beautiful pieces of furniture at a fraction of the cost.

The January sales is one of the best times to purchase that long sought after item you’ve been wanting to buy, whether it’s an investment piece or something striking to add to your home, there is so much on offer.

While some may dread the month of January, we think it’s a gift from the shopping gods, so out with old and in with the under-priced! I’ve chosen some simply gorgeous pieces from the sale section of some fabulous designers and stores to give you a little inspiration!

Vreeland Stripe ‘Atlanta’ Sofa in Multi Stripe from House of Hackney

Sometimes we need a little justification to help push us in the right direction, and in this case being brave enough to purchase a wild design like this vibrant number from House of Hackney just got a whole lot easier with its reduced price tag. Just like most of House of Hackney’s designs this sofa doesn’t err on the side of caution, its beautifully rich design oozes with contemporary glamour and will make a worthwhile investment.

Miss Adventure Sofa from Sofa Workshop

This beautiful bohemian style sofa from Sofa Workshop takes on an equally stunning pattern, but with mellow hues for those looking for a more laid-back style. This sofa and print combination would look amazing in a dozen different style settings from an industrial loft space to a classic country home; it’s a useful and delightful piece to have in your house.

For an investment that’s a classic, the ever faithful Habitat always has something up their sleeve. This Colin sofa is effortlessly chic and is perfect for a busy and changing lifestyle. Its relaxed nature makes it work as the staple of a room, meaning that as its furniture accompaniments change around it, it will never look out of place.

Colin Three Seater Sofa in Charcoal Fabric from Habitat

If you’re all set for sofas but are still in the mood to do a little revamping to your living room, buying a statement armchair is a great way to make your home feel all shiny and new without going into redesign overdrive.

Deco Tub Chair from David Linley

This Art Deco inspired armchair from David Linley is an ideal little dose of fun for any room, its vibrant colour will make it a stand out piece, while its size means it won’t overpower the room. Purchasing this colourful item will make the January blues seem more like a myth than reality. The same goes for this gorgeous rattan chair from The White Company, which is absolutely great addition for a modern or contemporary home.

Radial Rattan Occasional Chair from The White Company

You may have made quite a lot of use out of your dining room or area over the holiday period and if your table and chairs are looking a little worse for wear or you just feel like an upgrade, the January sales will lead you to an overwhelming amount of offers, but there are some truly lovely designs by some wonderful designers out there.

Vienna Chair from Tom Faulkner

This mid-century meets Art Nouveau style chair is a design masterpiece! Whether you feel like decking out the entire table, or perhaps just one at the head, this chair will show off your design skills. As with all pieces from Tom Faulkner there is an easy elegance and fluidity that makes the design so beautifully contemporary.  It also comes in a vivid pink, yellow or green.

Benchmark is home to some fantastic designs and products that are classic contemporary at its finest. This superb design from Benchmark is a home staple, plus it’s designed by the legendary Terrence Conran making it an absolute steal!

Normandie Side Chair designed by Terrence Conran for Benchmark

Another investment piece from Benchmark again designed by Terence Conran is this stunning sideboard. It’s a beautiful contemporary piece that unlikely to ever go out of style. Its clean lines means it’ll work with several design schemes without stealing focus or looking out of place.

Albin Sideboard designed by Terrence Conran for Benchmark

Or for something a little more rustic and flamboyant, there’s something quite special about this piece from Sweetpea and Willow. It will give a little grandeur to a room and fill it with some old school elegance.

Julien Commode in the style of Louis XV from Sweetpea and Willow

So don’t despair when it comes to venturing into the deep dark world of the January sales, there are some wonderful investment pieces out there that will last you a lifetime, and will hopefully leave you with some leftover cash!

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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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Some Like It Hot!

The temperature is rising all around Cambridge today and in typical British fashion we’re all getting a little flustered! But fear not as we have an abundance of lovely summer saviours to keep you cool in the heat.

Comfort is the key on a scorching day like today and whether you like to lie back and work on your tan or read a book in a deck chair there’s something for everyone.

This beautiful cotton double cushion from Cox and Cox is perfect for a picnic on a lazy afternoon.

House of Hackney has deck chairs for sale at the moment with some wonderful prints that’ll keep you stylish in the sun. And if you love prints and patterns then you’ll want to check out Sunbeam Jackie’s collection of beautiful bohemian parasols.

Staying hydrated is the perfect excuse to get this gorgeous pitcher from Cox and Cox, great for serving up some Pimms or perhaps some refreshing cucumber water

And to accompany it why not have a look at House of Hackney’s collection of fun trays, a great addition to any gathering in the sun and the perfect way to serve those drinks in style!

After watching a beautiful sunset, these lovely wicker lanterns from The White Company will be a great way to keep the night going without losing the light.

Of course we’re not forgetting the inside of your home, nothing says summertime like a set of beautiful linen curtains blowing in the breeze, and as always Ian Mankin has some stunning fabrics in his collection.

So there’s our guide to staying cool in the sun, we hope you enjoy!

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