Trends

Oh I do love a floral and to me there’s no better way to get that spring feeling into your home than a gorgeous floral print.  Florals have been around for ages (forever really..) but what’s got me excited in a "jump up and down" kind of way is the fresh modern take on this iconic print.

Less nanna-like garden variety type, but bolder, flirty even with a much younger vibe.  Oversized florals that pack a punch in saturated blues and pinks to painterly patterns in watercolour as well as stylized vintage and botanical prints.  Wallpaper, rugs, soft furnishings, chairs (and bedheads of course!), mix and layer them with geometrics, ikats, stripes and spots – the “rules” are gone - these new florals look great in any space.  And best of all? You won't need a green thumb for these gorgeous blooms...

Oversized pendant lights teamed with an oversized print - now these really do pack a punch!  Pendant

With our gorgeous climate (and especially now it’s spring), we all crave a bit of outside space - an outdoor “room” where you can escape the world and while away the hours… preferably with something delicious to drink (I would say wine but right now it would be a very strong cappuccino!) and a good read.  Bliss!

Being an urban dweller and somewhat “challenged” in the garden department, I’m in awe of what people can do with just a tiny bit of outdoor space.  Be it a balcony, courtyard or even a roof terrace, there are some truly magical outdoor "rooms" that make the very most of their small size.  Sometimes all you need is some potted greenery, string lighting, cushions and a comfy spot to sit (and maybe a touch of imagination) to create something wonderful.

Just a little balcony in this London flat but a beautiful spot to sit away from the hustle and bustle of a big city -

I think we are all feeling that hint of spring in the air (“hooray” I hear you say…).  If you are anything like me, you are probably itching to pull back those winter layers and inject some fresh colour into your home.  Pastels are hitting the radar - not sugary sweet but chalky muted with just that hint of grey…a bit more sophisticated, a bit more grown up.

This season's pastels are a lot more interesting, edgy even  –  geo designs, bold prints or teamed with metallics (think copper or gold).  Gradient and dip dye as well as fresh painterly patterns in dusty pinks, minty greens and pale peach.  These pastels look great with soft greys, black/white and natural woods.  Bye bye candyfloss, hello grown up modern!

Pastels move

I’ve noticed these beautiful rugs popping up everywhere and let’s just say, I’m a little bit obsessed.  I love their tribal earthiness and gorgeous texture as well as the warm loveliness they bring to a space.  This one’s definitely on my want list! 

Handmade by the Beni Ouarain tribes in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, these beautiful thick pile rugs typically feature a dark brown or black diamond pattern woven into a creamy foreground.  The subtle geometric pattern and neutral colour palette means they are interesting without being too overwhelming - and they seem to pretty much work in any type of interior.  In fact, I would probably go as far as to say that they are one of the most versatile rugs around – living, dining, bedroom, hallway, nursery or even as a wall hanging – they just work

I have a real weakness for velvet.  It’s such a gorgeously indulgent fabric with that “can’t help but run your hand over it” kind of quality.  That beautiful silky-soft, liquid-velvety smoothness and oh-so cosy warm feel....

Velvet isn’t shy either – it’s got an extraordinary knack to carry off the boldest and deepest of shades (love it in jewel colours, bright fuschia pinks and inky blues). With it’s rich and luxurious look velvet can instantly raise the stakes in a room but it can pull off contemporary looks too.  Velvet can be used across a wide range of interior styles - from over-the-top opulence to mid-century/70s retro. From subtle lustrous matt velvets through to the high shine glamour of traditional velvet looks - there's a velvet to work in every space.

Velvet looks amazing on buttoned or tufted furniture – especially bedheads like this one below.  Black and gold is a classic

It’s starting to feel a little chilly (it is June afterall…) which has me reaching for my blankets and throws to add some cosy loveliness to my home.

I do love a layered look in winter.  Soft blankets and throws adding colour and texture and delightful warmth.  It’s that nesting instinct settling in – escaping the world and curling up under a blanket with a great book or mag is pure bliss.   If you are on the lookout for something new, there are loads of gorgeous blankets and throws out this season.  From bold and colourful geometrics (which couldn’t help but brighten up the dreariest of winter days) to oh-so-warm chunky knits in divine charcoals and greys.  Shop sales have just begun too which makes the perfect excuse to pick up something fab!   Here are some of our top picks:

I’m feeling a bit blue….an inky saturated indigo kind of blue.  Gorgeously daring and dramatic, I’m loving this moody hue in interiors right now.  Mmmm, maybe I’ve got a colour crush…..

Indigo is one of the oldest dyes to be used in textiles and is said to be the purest of blues.  It’s a great colour if you want to create a bold impact or drama.  It goes with just about everything – deep enough for winter but also refreshing enough for summer, it looks great paired with neutrals and greys, woods and natural materials.  I’m seeing so much of it in traditional and tribal styles and patterns.  I think where we are seeing indigo at it's best though is in the bedroom – perhaps because of the calming and cocooning vibe it evokes.

We are huge fans of Arent & Pyke.  This bedroom is taken from a Sydney terrace (featured in this months

Easter has come around awfully quick!  Although I'm ok with that as it means I’m allowed to eat my way through a mountain of chocolate - any excuse for chocolate I say!

Easter has such a lovely whimsical charm.  I think it’s all those colourful eggs and cute little bunnies.  There are gorgeous things you can do to decorate your home too and so many crafty-type activities for the kids (which means keeping them occupied during the holidays - hooray!).  Whilst on the hunt for some Easter inspiration I came across the pics below which I thought were too adorable not to share.

This is a lovely take on an old German custom, the Easter Egg tree (Ostereierbaum) -

DIY Easter eggs by 

I’ve got a thing for chairs - there, I’ve said it.   I’m building a bit of a collection too (much to my husband’s dismay).  Right now I’m on the hunt for a vintage tufted chair for our bedroom and I want to reupholster it in something fabulous - thinking velvet, thinking pink (sure hubby will be ok that…).

Seating in the bedroom is such an indulgence don’t you think? A beautiful chair just seems all that more special in a bedroom.  They add that extra layer of gorgeousness to a room, not to mention comfort.  A cosy spot to curl up and read a book…a place for intimacy and quite…but sometimes (if we are going to be completely honest here) bedroom chairs are perfect for throwing your clothes on at the end of the day (when the wardrobe seems that bit too far away).  Practical yet beautiful, below are some bedroom chairs I’ve spotted this week.

I’m having a bit of a copper obsession at the moment.  Copper is the new black, it’s having its moment and it’s popping up everywhere – lighting, furnishings, kitchens, bathrooms ( I’ve even noticed a copper Kitchen Aid which now makes my red one look rather boring…).

Copper is a brilliant material to introduce to your interiors. It blends perfectly with pretty much any style (vintage, classic, contemporary, industrial) and it has a warmth and texture that just can’t be matched by other metals. I think where we are seeing copper best is in lighting – there’s something just so gorgeous and timeless about it. 

Tom Dixon’s Copper Shade is truly a work of art (I want one for my hallway!).  It looks amazing both on its own or in groups for a bigger impact -