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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'm never usually a swooner over celebrity homes. "Real" everyday folk inspire much more without the gazillion dollar budgets and slightly staged feel. This, however, is an exception and an exception I have to share for the sake of a bit of Tuesday morning fluff....

It's the home of Patrick Dempsey ( you know - McDreamy from Greys Anatomy) in Malibu. Designed by uber architect Frank Gehry back in 1968, it has been re-worked in recent times by landscaper Scott Shrader and decorator Estee Stanley. The end result is just so appealing - an amazing combination of true personality - of antique, vintage warmth and soul within a very strong, contemporary structure. Divine. The outdoor spaces are amazing - the family own loads of animals and love gardening and clearly

Maths may not be for everyone….but we’re all happily enjoying geometrics!  They are just fun don’t you think?  Amazing how a bunch of triangles can get us all so excited.  I love the way geometric pattern hovers somewhere between 60s retro and futuristic.  Put them anywhere - they work just as well in a baby’s nursery as they do in an opulent bedroom. 

Polyhedrons, hexagons and triangles to zigzags, chevrons and circles, geometric pattern can be added in a subtle way or big and bold (there are some amazing geo print wallpaper’s out there...) adding a real punch to any space.  The beauty of geometric pattern is that it can be mixed and matched with loads of styles from industrial to contemporary chic.  Just take a look at these pics...  

The wallpaper is the star of this room with the geometric pattern giving a real energetic buzz to the space -

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

There are days when the phrase "I love my job" is 100% genuinely something you want to shout from the rooftops. Last Monday was one. It was the day that the latest issue of Home Beautiful magazine came out. The wonderful team at Home Beautiful asked us a few months ago to make 2 bedheads for their Heavenly Sleep article about gorgeous bedrooms and we finally got to see them in all of their dreamy, styled glory.

Wow!

We thought the bedheads came up beautifully but to see them in print was amazing. The HB team have created a beautiful story with gorgeous colours, textures and finishes that feel luxurious and utterly dreamy. The photography by BedNest favourite Chris Warnes has a crisp but inviting light and serenity. There's a clever and interesting range of  products - bedsides, fabrics, accessories, linen, rugs, lighting and cushions and the location is stunning

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 giving my hallway some interior love - it’s been crying out for attention (it’s a bit of a dumping ground for shoes, coats, bags…. hey, I do have kids!) but now it’s getting a makeover, an overhaul, the whole shebang.  We are doing up the staircase, ripping up carpet, repainting walls and laying down a new (and might I add very gorgeous) runner.  The hallway is going to be an amazing space...

Hallways are often the most neglected room in the house.  It’s usually narrow (which can be a challenge) but it’s still a room that needs some love.  You can have loads of fun with hallways – a bold wallpaper or paint it in a dramatic hue, hang a striking light fixture, create a gallery wall, lay an eye-catching hall runner.  If space allows it, gorgeous seating or a console table by the door (handy too!).  Or you can just keep it minimal and uncluttered,

I’ve always considered myself a bit of a plain and simple kind of girl but lately I’ve really fallen in love with pattern – and what a time to fall in love!  There are gorgeous patterns everywhere - ikat, chevron, trellis, stripe, damask, floral, toil, animal print, polka dot, graphic.  Bright and colourful or soft and subdued.  Riding solo or mixed up craziness.  Rules are being broken and caution thrown into the wind – a pattern play is going on that is pure perfection!  Oh my… 

Mixing patterns definitely brings a sense of playfulness to a space.  Busy patterns up energy levels while simple or pale patterns can create serenity.  The art of pattern mixing can be a bit daunting (I hear you!) but hopefully the below pics will give you some inspiration - don't forget you can always abandon the “rules” and just have some fun.  You’d be surprised