Monochromatic Matters

Colour is a great asset to use in any home, whether you’re pulling in bold accents into a room, pairing two colours to make an unusual combination, or even going for a daring monochromatic look. A monochromatic scheme can create a strong, bold look in a room, really giving it some presence. Here’s a few beautiful monochrome rooms to give you some inspiration.

Blue Monochromatic Room from Domino via Pinterest

This dark blue room is a feast for the eyes; everything is soft, deep and dramatic whilst the blue makes it feel sophisticated and contemporary. The key with monochromatic rooms is to make sure you have enough texture in the space to give it depth, like the velvet sofa and of hint of purple from the plant. For a beautiful navy paint colour, Fired Earth’s Carbon Blue is a lovely true blue and would have a dramatic impact on the walls. For a sumptuous navy velvet, take a peek at Osborne & Little’s Mikado Velvet collection, they have a whole range of shades but a perfect one for this look is number 6990-08.

Pink is a great colour to use in a monochromatic look and creating the perfect sophisticated setting is all about finding the right shades of pink. Heavily playing on light and dark tones will help add a contemporary element to the space, too much of one pink and it might become a little marshmallow-y. Below they’ve used a dusky pink for the wall and a maroon-pink for the ceiling and for the furniture which really holds the space together.

Pink Monochromatic Room from Domino via Pinterst

There is a huge range of pink or pink-toned paints around at the moment, just make sure you stick to the same type of pink, for example finding a dark and light blush pink. A beautiful pink is Tuscan Pink from Zoffany, with lovely earthy tones to it. To add a spark of interest to the pink scheme, this Atlas fabric from Zimmer + Rohde has beautiful pink tones as well as an abstract landscape-style pattern that would make a stunning pair of curtains in an all pink look.

Atlas Fabric from Zimmer + Rohde

This beautiful green room creates its depth with the use of white to add structure to the space; the sharp white picture frames pop against the green wall, and the off-white rug has different green embroidery to give floor a strong sense of personality. Green makes a great monochromatic room colour choice as it can be naturally given texture and depth with the use of plants, like below different cacti have been added for points of interest and richer impact.

Green Monochromatic Room from Domino via Pinterest

I love De le Cuona and all their pieces, but they have some beautiful fabrics that would really work with a mossy green monochromatic room, take a look at Mistral in Drizzle and Primitive Linen in Fennel. For a similar green grey paint colour, Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray and Cromarty would complete the look.

Grey seems to be a never-ending popular colour, so if you love it take it one step further by using deep dark hues in a room, from the paint to the furniture and adding in interesting juxtapositions of light hues against the dark.

Dark Grey Monochromatic Room from Apartment Therapy via Pinterest

When using such a dark colour for a monochromatic space, make sure to select materials that’ll allow light to bounce of them, therefore avoiding a black hole effect. This Cascade wallpaper from Zoffany has an amazing ribbon effect, which will not only add a strong design element but pick up the light as well.

Cascade Wallpaper from Zoffany

For a really luxurious looking monochrome room, you can’t go wrong with an all Teal room. The peacock colour makes a strong statement, and if you love glamorous interiors, it’s perfect for you. Below they used gold accessories to draw out the richness of the teal; with such a strong colour like teal, just using at as feature wall in an attempt to ‘tone it down’ can sometimes have the reserve effect, and actually making the bold move and painting the entire space in the colour will create a simpler, sophisticated look. For a triumphant teal, Farrow & Ball’s Vardo has the impact you’re looking for, and for a beautiful fabric to go alongside, the teal version of Anthology’s Vivid fabric will make the perfect pair.

Teal Monochromatic Room from Apartment Therapy

A monochromatic room can be an amazing, stylish and unexpected way to decorate a room; so you want to create an impactful space, have a think about trying out a monochromatic room using your favourite shade.

 

 

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January Blues

It may be that the January blues are catching up with you after all the Christmas excitement, but I say if you can’t beat them, join them… with some fabulous blue interiors! Whether you’re a fan of the dark and moody blues, or the bright and cheery, there’s something to suit everyone. Here are some fun ways to play around with blue this year.

Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball from RED Edition via Pinterest

Start off your blue interiors in a big way, with the wonderfully rich and deep Hague Blue; here it’s painted from top to toe of this room, giving a gentle hugging feeling. A great way to create an inviting space, especially for a study or cosy snug. If you want to go for a fresher, brighter blue, Light Blue from Farrow & Ball is also a great way to use blue as a neutral, but still keeping the room feeling colourful.

Light Blue by Farrow & Ball from SF Girl via Pinterest

You can also add in some textural big blue ideas into your interior. Some midnight blue curtains, like this Constantina design from Zoffany will help make a warm, but formal environment, a perfect solution for a dining room, where you want to create a sophisticated atmosphere but still make your guest feel at home.

Constantina by Zoffany

If you want keep up the light and contemporary feeling instead of the darker tones of blue, this Quill fabric from Designers Guild must surely make an appearance on your wish-list. The vibrant feathers on a simple background will add interest to a bedroom or living space, I love the additional sheer aqua blue added into the mix as well.

Quill in Duck Egg from Designers Guild

Once you’ve found your base tone of blue, you can build upon this with darker or lighter shades in your accessories. I love these sheepskin cushions from Oliver Bonas, in an indigo, light blue and pink; use a couple of either blue and add a pink one to balance them out.

Sheepskin Cushions from Oliver Bonas

It can be a good idea to contrast your lighting against your chosen wall colour, and really make a statement out of your centre pendant. This contemporary shade by Louis Poulsen in a baby blue shade would work wonderfully against a Hague Blue background.

Collage 450 Pendant Light by Louis Poulsen from Houseology

And if you want to dress up a lighter shade of blue, a dramatic dark pedant will really do the trick, like this Heathfield pedant, which is a match made in heaven for anyone who loves glamorous and luxe interiors, as the inner globes are an absolutely stunning feature.

Lexington 32″ from Heathfield

These tall ceramic vases from Oliver Bonas have a great ombre effect in a watercolour style. They’d make a great addition to a modern, mid-century style sideboard, or to brighten up a bare mantelpiece.

Isabella Tall Ceramic Vase from Oliver Bonas

If you’re looking for more of a pastel, powder blue accessory, this lovely little bowl comes from the Solstice collection at Anthropologie. It also comes in a striking indigo blue, but this light one is rather special, and the perfect addition to a light-hearted brunch table.

Solstice Bowl from Anthropologie

I would pair it with this little number from Anthropologie as well, the starry marble mixture is too good to pass up.

Night Sky Dessert Plate from Anthropologie

Dive straight into the blue, and find something big or small to make you feel a little better this January, and you’ll soon see that having the blues can be a good thing.

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The Scenic Route

This week I wanted to blog about some of the wonderful wallpapers and fabrics available at the moment that feature scenery designs. Often we tend to jump head first into our plains, stripes and floral patterned fabrics but always seem a little hesitant to delve into the world of scenery fabrics or wallpapers. Perhaps it’s because the art historian in me is a sucker for a good renaissance tapestry, but I always liked a well thought out scenery design, so I’ve picked out some lovely scenic designs that are floating around at the moment that are sure to satisfy a variety of tastes and styles. So sit back and enjoy the view.

‘Arden’ from Zoffany

This Arden fabric, from a collection of the same name is the design that first inspired me to write a blog on scenery fabrics and wallpapers. The design was copied from a mid-15^th century pattern found in a home in Halifax in 1901. A tapestry has been turned into a workable, beautiful design that can easily be used in the 21^st century. The old red colour is full of heritage style and the animal and woodland design brings a mythical intrigue to an upholstery fabric.

Another from Zoffany from the same collection is this Verdure wallpaper design. The collection was created by artist Melissa White and each design mixes a historic past with a contemporary present, making each pattern highly versatile and ideal for a modern home. The Verdure design is based on a late 17^th century painted cloth.

‘Verdure’ from Zoffany

If heritage style mixed with a hint of flamboyance is a little OTT for your taste, there are plenty of scenery designs out there that will complement an elegant and mellow interior. Barbary Toile from Nina Campbell has all of the usual lovely attributes that can be associated with her designs, but with a little twist. The pattern takes inspiration from her Great Uncle’s worldly travels, and here the design depicts the monkeys on the Rock of Gibraltar. This fabric is the perfect example of an alternative to floral patterns whilst keeping the same sophisticated feeling but with a little more cheekiness to it!

‘Barbary Toile’ from Nina Campbell

‘Trianon’ from Manuel Canovas

Another lovely, elegant scenery style pattern, this time from Manuel Canovas. Here the scenes depicts people playing in natural surroundings, I love the juxtaposition of the delicate imagery and the zingy red used, giving a little flavour to the pattern.

If a little flavour just won’t cut it and you’re looking for a big helping of pizazz, Cole and Son’s ‘Miami’ design is something you should take a look at, especially if you love an urban motif.

‘Miami’ from Cole and Son

As the name suggests, the design takes its influence from the architecture of South Beach, Miami. The design is filled with all the vibrancy and exuberance that comes with the Miami territory. From the monochrome tiles to the vegetation, it’s head-to-toe full of fun.

For an urban depiction that takes more of a traditional, rustic route the gondolier pattern from Zoffany is rather beautiful and full of character, showing off all the best aspects of Venice, the buildings, bridges and canals have all been included to create a wonderfully romantic image.

‘The Gondolier’ from Zoffany

Take a trip down history lane with this sweet and interesting design from Linwood of a collection of postcards that tell the narratives of The Grand Tour, which was a popular tradition during the 16^th century where the upper-class would travel across European and discover all the wonders of the continent. The wallpaper design is rather unusual, and not something you’re likely to see every day, so put it in your house and dream about your next holiday.

‘The Grand Tour’ from Linwood

For a scene that shows off the classic Englishman in the classic English setting, Lewis and Wood have created a fly fishing design based on etchings by renowned engraver George Morland from 1823. The whole pattern has a quirky flair to it, showing off the idyllic countryside with just a hint of twee.

‘Fly Fishing’ from Lewis and Wood

Lastly another from Lewis and Wood that is my absolute favourite design of theirs right now, this ‘Wild Thing’ in velvet is just stunning. The beautiful array of wildlife and flowers creates a wonderful design that would look superb in any home. The pattern was uncovered during a designers travels to Italy and has a lovely, exotic sense to it as well as similarity to the illustrations of Quentin Blake.

‘Wild Thing’ from Lewis and Wood

Even if you thought that scenery designs on fabrics and wallpapers weren’t really your cup of tea, there are so many around that take the form of all kinds of styles you are sure to find something perfect for you.

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Paint a Perfect Picture

When it comes to redecorating a home perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is what colour your walls should be, make the wrong choice and you’re stuck with a peculiar colour until you can summon the strength to do it all over again, but make the right choice and your home will transform before your eyes.

The paint company most of us jump straight to for beautiful colours is the paint master themselves Farrow and Ball, and it’s true they do produce fantastic, timeless colours, but with so many other fabulous companies producing amazing paints I thought I’d put Farrow and Ball on the backburner for today and introduce to you some of the best paint companies around.

Designers Guild are known for their bold patterns and their colour palette in their paint department is no different, from beautiful pastel pinks, to zingy lime greens if you’re walls are in need of the ultimate sprucing up then Designers Guild should be your first port of call.

First Blush by Designer’s Guild

Mimosa Leaf by Designers Guild

I absolutely love this Mimosa Leaf colour, it’s a bold move that certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted but if you’ve got the guts it’s definitely a way to make an impression. If you want to introduce a wild colour into your interiors it’s best to opt for a room that has either a lot of windows or features that will break up a wall so that you can avoid one giant block of colour that might end up looking a little scary and intimidating.

If bright, colourful hues aren’t really your taste there are some absolutely drool-worthy tall, dark and handsome colours around if you’re looking to add a little mystery and romance to your interiors. The Little Greene Paint Company is a lovely company that create a super high quality paint collection and they have some outrageously glamourous dark shades in their range.

Obsidian Green by The Little Greene Paint Company

This bluey green reminds me of the depths of the ocean and creates an amazing modern presence in a room especially when mixed with the richness of a dark wood like in the photo above.

Invisible Green by The Little Greene Paint Company

The smokiness of this green creates a beautiful earthy, organic ambience and with the splash of hot pink, or another bright colour, there is a real contemporary vibe to the atmosphere. When using such a dark colour it’s always important to have a lot of natural light so that the colour doesn’t overpower the room but instead will be showed-off in the light.

One company that has really found its stride in its paint department is Fired Earth, they are producing some wonderful colours. Their most recent spring collection was created around the theme of birds, my personal favourite was the Peafowl green, a wonderful colour that is bold enough to make a statement but not so bright as to make a room too intense.

Peafowl by Fired Earth

Just like some people, some homes have a natural flair for the dramatics and finding the right theatrical colour is crucial. There’s a devilishly exciting feeling about using black or near-black in a home, it’s a little off-key and against the grain but if done well and in the right home it can look absolutely terrific. Charcoal from Fired Earth is oh so tempting and is an extremely brave and original way to reinvent an interior.

Charcoal by Fired Earth

For something just as rich but a little mellower, a deep plum purple is a great way to add drama to a home but still maintain a scheme that works in the everyday.

Carragheen by Fired Earth

For a diverse range of tones and hues Sanderson and Zoffany have wonderful collections ranging from pale pastels to moody blues. Companies that make the paint, fabric and wallpaper trio have a natural knack at creating the perfect symmetry between each material. So if you have a sofa upholstered in a fabric by a beloved designer or a feature wall in a wallpaper, looking into the same companies paint range may be the best way to find the most complementary schemes.

Ming Gold by Sanderson

Tuscan Pink by Zoffany

Prussian by Zoffany

There is so much fun to be had when choosing paint colours for your home, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore and experiment with your taste and your comfort zone and create the most wonderfully personalised walls for you, and with so many collections and companies out there you truly are spoilt for choice!

 

For contact information and further details on these companies and many others check out Angel + Blume’s Address Book: http://www.angelandblume.com/addressbook.php

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A Guide to Table and Floor Lamps

Lighting is a seriously important component when it comes to creating the atmosphere and managing the ambience of a room or home. From simple changes such as altering the brightness of your bulbs, to updating your lampshades, or completely redoing a room’s setup, the relationship between your home and its lighting needs is a never-ending journey.

Though our first instinct may be to jump straight to ceiling or wall lights, there is much to be said for the use of floor and table lamps as your main source of lighting, especially since it won’t require having to get building or electrical work done. Not only can using table and floor lamps create a softer, romantic, more inviting setting than opting for just using a ceiling light, but they are also a fantastic way to introduce different styles into your interiors. This week at Angel + Blume we’re going to take you through some amazing designs and ideas from the world of floor and table lighting.

Whether you want to create a statement or just give a helping hand to the room’s mood, floor lamps are a great way to go. Floor lamps can be for both functional and decorative use. A floor lamp with an amazing design, whatever your style be it simplistic or avant garde, positioned slightly away from the rest of the furniture in the room will make it become the room’s focal point, the object your eyes will initially land on. Therefore choosing the right style and design for your home and yourself is imperative.

Grossman Cobra Floor Lamp from Gubi

This wonderfully contemporary design from Gubi, which comes in five colour variations, is minimalist style at its finest, its design is modern blended with retro influences, ideal for those who love modern style and enjoy having a fun dose of originality in their interiors.

Pedrera PD2 Floor Lamp from Gubi

Another contemporary example from Gubi is this futuristic style floor lamp, its bold design makes it a feature point of the room. It would look great following a monochrome scheme or creating the perfect contrast against a juxtaposition of colourful walls and furniture.

Lamps are superb for creating warm and inviting spaces, opting for floor or table lamps in a sitting room means crafting the optimal space for relaxing or entertaining guests and easily changing from day to night time with just a few flicks of a switch.

Trafalgar Floor Lamp from Pooky

The antique brassy tones from the base mixed together with the yellowy hues from the lampshade gives this floor lamp a sunny warming power, made for those cold, wintery nights were doing anything but curling up on the sofa seems near impossible.

Pooky, as you can see from above and below make some lovely lamps both floor and table. Their designs are absolutely adorable and are the ideal addition if you want to give your home a little face-lift, and at very reasonable prices too!

Wisteria Table Lamp from Pooky

Palmyra Table Lamp from Pooky

For subtle, sweet style that is as far from ostentatious as you can get Pooky is the place to go. Each of their designs are individual yet will be complementary with the rest of your design scheme. A few lovely lamps from Pooky dotted around a living room or study would help create a warm and charming atmosphere to immerse yourself into.

If you work from home, or have a desk or office that is in need of a little finishing touch or an boost of colour, picking out a bright and beautiful desk lamp is a sure fire way to add style and originality to your room without going overboard on the distractions when you need to focus. Something to suit your style will be the pick me up you need when work has you stressed.

Dalù from Artemide

Artemide has reinvented a design from the sixties by Vico Magistretti, the Dalù lamp has the most glorious sixties shape with modern colours. The transparent red and orange are simply stunning and will make the best desk companions.

If classic, elegant style is music to your ears, your one-stop shop for your lighting needs should be Original BTC. Their designs are sophisticated, and exude style without being over the top. A simple, organised desk needs its lamp equal and Original BTC is the place to find it. Two designs that stand out from the crowd for their appealing nature are the London Table Lamp and the Walter Table Lamp, both ooze with style and grace.

London Table Lamp from Original BTC

Walter Table Lamp from Original BTC

Recently Heathfield and Zoffany paired up to create a stunning lighting collection, chiefly table lamps. The designs they’ve created together are completely brilliant and would work wonders in a dozen different interior styles. Their twenty-eight piece collection is created using free blown glass, therefore each individual lamp you buy is unique in its own right, giving you a personal touch to your interiors.

 

From left to right: Colmea (silver), Gaia (velvet blue), Novella (antique bronze), Fiametta (smoke blue) from Heathfield and Zoffany

The interesting nature of the bases means that the table lamps make a statement without being overzealous. The designs would look beautiful on a sideboard or end table. They’re great pieces for adding a little pizazz to a traditional or classic setting, and their elegance means they’re in for the style long haul and won’t become dated any time soon.

Finding the right lighting setup for your home can be a fun but timely task, but once you’ve found the perfect arrangement you’ll be living in pure lighting harmony, making you never want to leave your home again.

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Struck by Lighting!

Guy Fawkes Night in Cambridge is an absolutely beautiful affair, and is an event that is at the forefront of my childhood and adult memories. The fireworks display on Midsummer’s Common is a real feast for the eyes, and reminiscing about previous years has inspired us here at Angel + Blume, so I’ve set about finding some beautiful lighting features and topical wallpaper that hold all the beauty and magic of a fireworks display for your home; making sure that there will be a lot of ooh’s and ahh’s, not just on the 5^th November but all year round.

 

Ochre has some of the most outstanding lighting pieces in their collections. Their products are more in line with works of art then a practical, necessary part of the home, and if you’re in search for something truly eye-catching then Ochre should be your first port of call.

The Seed Cloud collection from Ochre is one of my favourite designs from the company, and is rather alike to falling stars or luminous raindrops; a real masterpiece of style. The contemporary take on a classic chandelier would look stunning over a dining room table, perfect for a luxurious, modern home, but could also make a subtle yet distinctive contrast mixed into a traditional, classically designed interior. For an alternative take try the table lamp version, quite an extraordinary piece to have at eye-level.

 

If you’re interior style is all about theatrics and you want to dive into the world of fantasy and fairytales, this Porta Romana chandelier was made just for you.

The Ivy Shadow chandelier is the definition of a show-stopper, just think of the beautiful shadow imagery the design would make on the walls and ceiling of a room. The theatrical nature of this piece means it isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you’re looking for something special and breathtaking then look no further.

 

Staying on the fabulous and theatrical track, no where does it better then Timorous Beasties. With their designs being so innovative and creative, they are perfect for embellishing your home in originality and flair.

These Golden Oriole wall panels are intended to make your home stand out from the crowd. The richness and romance of the design is something dreams are made of and the mystical elements will make your home shine. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this wall panelling tells a whole story and if you’re intent of showcasing your style and making a statement this is the perfect way to do so.

 

However, if this is all getting a little too much and something more low-key sounds appealing, you can never go wrong with a much beloved favourite of ours, the Mosaic Dapple by Zoffany.

This is a real crowd pleaser, and is a really fun but subtle way to include a little bit of shine and shimmer.

The same can be said for this beautiful design by Harlequin, and with multiple colours you’ll be spoilt for choice.

 

When going for a contemporary look, it’s easy to be drawn to a minimalist and understated design, but if you want to make a statement, you needn’t compromise on the contemporary aspect.

These fan effect lights from Collingwood are a fun and modern way to create a well-lit space and would look great on a feature wall or lighting up a long corridor.

For some excitement and a bit of colour, Artemide have some outstanding designs, including this Tian Xia Metamorfosi design, which is perfect for creating a cool, vibrant atmosphere for a dinner party.

So remember, remember that the 5^th November is not the only time to create a few sparks and explosions when it comes to your interiors.

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Autumn Treats to Keep You Warm

The changing weather at the moment has me reaching for the duvet as I begin to wishfully dream of hibernation during these upcoming months. Alas hibernation is not on the cards, but some beautiful throws, cushions, rugs and lamps are everything you’ll need to make it through autumn and into winter whilst keeping warm and toasty as the cold weather sets in.

Ligne Roset has some beautiful wintery rugs in their collection at the moment, and my personal favourite is this Allusions design.

It’s the perfect component to your home as the eye-catching design allows the rug to make a statement as a stand alone piece, but is subtle enough to complement other accessories and furnishings, whatever your style.

The rug would look great with a cosy throw like this one from Soak & Sleep, or if you want to go a little more glam and like me you can’t resist a faux fur throw, try this one from Feather & Black.

Whilst you’re snuggling up in your throw you’ll want to create a warm atmosphere in your home, some beautiful floor and table lamps will do the trick. Ochre has some amazing and innovative designs; this beautiful cast bronze floor lamp is an elegant piece with a modern twist and will be your perfect companion as you relax in front of a film or with a book.

If you’re looking for something a little more striking as well as atmospheric take a look at this stunning Wall Mounted Kasba Tea Light Holder from Rockett St George.

The intricate design makes this a rather special piece and both a functional light feature as well as a fantastic work of art. The piece looks great on its own, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have the wall space why not put two or three of them together for a real feast for the eyes.

Another accessory to truly spoil yourself with is this exquisite Alexander McQueen cushion available from The Rug Company. The butterfly design is sophisticated, dramatic and timeless and would look amazing mixed among some plainer cushions, or on a simple sofa making it a real statement piece. It’s a bit of a splurge but the design is so beautiful it’s definitely worth it!

Veering away from accessories and dipping into some lovely furnishings, there are some wonderful pieces that are in-keeping with the autumn vibes.

This velvet chair from Oka Direct looks amazingly comfy and is the perfect place to sit back and admire your pretty throws and lamps. Plus the warm truffle colour makes for a perfect canvas to add other accessories in any style.

If you’re in need of a place to store your summer accessories or are just simply looking for an excellent addition to a room, take a look at this elegant storage box from Sofa.com, it’s both practical and pretty.

And finally, this new fabric collection from Zoffany has got me all excited. The Tespi velvet collection is beautiful and rich and is absolutely perfect for the colder months. It comes in various patterns and colours to suit your style: if you want a more traditional design there’s the Tespi pattern, or for a more retro or contemporary feel try the Tespi spots and squares. These fabrics are great for revamping some cushions or going all out and covering an entire sofa or chair!

So while the cold weather isn’t cause for celebration, the excuse to treat yourself with all these new home addition certainly is, and with these accessories, staying in has never felt so glamorous!

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The colours of 2014

Whilst we are just still in the season of rounding up 2014, can I add one last offering of my own which is some great paint colours we have used, discovered and reacquainted ourselves with during the last year. Here are 10 of my favourites.

1. Fired Earth, Elizabeth’s Parrot

This is a fantastic shade of green which reminds of the colour of fresh green basil. However, the inspiration for the shade is far more glamorous as it is inspired by the beautiful Helmut Newton photograph of Elizabeth Taylor in her swimming pool with, you guessed it, her parrot.

www.firedearth.com

 

2. Abigail Ahern Bleeker

Dark colours in interiors are oh so in at the moment which is giving us lots of lovely shades to choose from. No one does dark colours better than Abigail Ahern and of her very tempting range I have chosen Bleeker because it is sophisticated and elegant but also warm and inviting. Be brave and use it liberally.

Direct from Abigail Ahern www.abigailahern.com or from Rockett St George www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

 

3. Gold

I’m serious. Lovely lovely gold, particularly on the ceiling. Getting the look right is almost entirely dependant on using the right product and I would highly recommend specialists Gold Leaf Supplies who know what they are talking about. This beautiful room, with its lovely gold ceiling by Leslie Hayes Interiors and is taken from Decoist.com with thanks

http://www.decoist.com/2013-07-31/golden-accent-leafing-modern-interiors/

www.goldleafsupplies.co.uk/

 

4. Farrow and Ball Railings

I rediscovered this beautiful colour when looking for a black for a monochromatic scheme (so easy to get this look wrong). This black is deep inky blue and so is softer than pure black and if you use one of Farrow and Balls lighter neutral greens (such as Hardwick White or Old White) you get the lovely black and white monochrome effect with lots of class and softness.

www.farrowandball.com

 

5. Zoffany Fig Grey

An ever useful colour because it is so beautiful. It looks quite purple in the picture shown and indeed it does have those warm base notes but it is also a very modern grey so can be used in both contemporary and traditional settings.

www.zoffany.com

 

6  Marston and Langinger Peacock Blue

I treated myself to a tester of this paint when I was placing an order just because it looked so luscious and it was everything I hoped for. It has just a tinge of Teal in the blue and it is perfectly named because it absolutely could be found in the feather of a peacock. I haven’t used it in a project yet but I live in hope.

www.marstonandlanginger.com

 

7  Farrow and Ball Setting Plaster

This is one of my all time favourite pinks and so there are few years when I don’t use it somewhere. This picture is from a grown up girl’s bathroom that we did a few years ago but I am shamelessly using it in my round up for 2014. What is so lovely about this colour is that it manages to be both feminine and classy at the same time, because I think, it has no hint of bubblegum about it at all

   

www.farrowandball.com

8 Marston and Langinger Bayswater

I refuse to put together a list of 10 paint colours without including a glorious yellow – greys may be the colour du jour but I would personally never turn my back on a joyful rich mustardy yellow (there’s no primrose about Bayswater, thank goodness) which can be coupled with an off white woodwork colour and gilt picture frames – heaven.

www.marstonandlanginger.com

 

9  Sanderson Graphite

Go on then, I’ll give you just one contemporary, urban, fashionable deep grey because they are rather fabulous. Sanderson Graphite is for grown up grey lovers and it is super smart. Use it bravely and it won’t let you down.

www.sanderson-uk.com

 

10 Paint Library Paper 3

Finally, the architectural colours from Paint Library proved another winner this year – my job would be so much harder without this range. An old favourite that is still wonderful and fresh is Paper 3 which has understated class and great versatility. Use Paper 2 if your room is gloomy or Paper 4 if you are flooded with light. Often I find Paper 1 on the woodwork works brilliantly with Paper 3 on the walls – you see how useful this range is?

www.paintlibrary.co.uk

Wishing you all a wonderful colour filled 2015!

 

 

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In love with florals

Inspired by the Chelsea Flower show which opens this week, and by the glorious sunny weekend we have just enjoyed, I can’t resist bringing you some floral interior inspiration. I love the great outdoors but in truth, these florals are much more my line of country – no weeds, no wilting, no hay fever and are still in full bloom in the winter – perfect!

Patterned carpet has often had a very traditional look but this bloom strewn carpet by Sophie Conran for Axminster is gorgeous and up-to-date.

Colefax and Fowler Louise Silk

Beautiful and timeless embroidered floral silk curtains create an elegant country feel. Fabric by Colefax and Fowler.

Bedthrow and cushion by Kate Forman fabrics

I love this bedthrow from Kate Forman which adds a splash of colour and pattern to a room, and draws attention to the lovely bed

Nostell Priory wallpaper from Zoffany

We have featured this glorious wallpaper in a previous post but it is so lovely, I think it deserves another showing.

 

Sanderson Midsummer rose rug

This jolly rug adds such a burst of colour to a room that it is hard to resist and I love it in this setting with very cream walls and vintage accessories.

Floral cotton velvet cushions from Forest and Co

Finally I couldn’t write about floral interiors and not give you a cushion or three – these velvet beauties from Forest and Co will add glamour to almost any home and I am very tempted by all of them.

Do you have any favourite florals? Let us know while we are in the outdoorsy mood!

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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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