NEW OFFICE CHAIR AND CREATING A SMALL WORKSPACE AT HOME

It's back to school and back to work I go! Even though I took a bit of a break from the blog to enjoy every minute of this little girl of mine, I didn't officially take any maternity leave/pay so I've been juggling the side hustle. Now we're on the flip side of six months and the purse strings are feeling a bit tight, I'm trying to get myself organised and put in a strategy in place for the next six to twelve months. What better way to get your work on then creating a small workspace with a new office chair.

OUR NORDIC INTERIOR LOUNGE MAKEOVER

I've always leaned toward a Scandi style of pale colours, calm spaces and mixed textures when it comes to our lounge at home, and although we rent our flat it's nice to feel the space represents our love of design. Mix this in with a huge ole dose of pregnancy hormones and the need to nest and yep you've guessed it....you have a room makeover! That's right, A month back I decided that with our new arrival due in January I wanted the flat to be just right and declared I was going to be focusing on a Nordic inspired lounge makeover much to everyone's dismay delight!

A TOUCH OF MOROCCO WITH LRNCE // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

You know when you fall down the rabbit hole of joy, otherwise known as Pinterest and you find that one image that draws you in? Well that happened the other day while I was looking at interiors and I discovered a touch of Morocco with Lrnce. A gorgeous Belgian fashion and design label based in Marrakesh and OH MY EYES!

I immediately fell for the beautiful lines and graphic prints of the designs and the colours are so up my street! There are so many pieces to swoon over and I definitely wanted to share some of my favourites with you here.

HAND WOVEN BASKETS FOR THE HOME // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

When it comes to interiors and choosing products for home I always tend to follow my heart rather than trends and pick out pieces that I love, have style and serves a purpose. But every now again I find something that is not only on trend but also helps others and gives something back, like these hand woven baskets.

WINTER WARMERS PINTEREST INSPIRATION WITH LOAF

Image via Apartment34

This week I have collaborated on a winter warmer Pinterest board with Loaf. OK so it's not quite winter yet, but that doesn't mean I can't start thinking ahead to frosty walks, hot chocolate, chunky wool socks, warm crumbles and roaring fires right? As much as I love Autumn, I think half of the excitement is knowing what joy winter brings. So we've teamed up to make your morning commute that little bit better and share some inspiration for the grey matter!

As you might know I am a huge fan of Loaf and all their home ware delights, especially their gorgeous linen sets which are a regular feature on my bed and Instagram. They are like sleeping on a cloud! I mean how cute is this kids room?! I have my eye on the mountain pillow for the baby's corner.

Whether you're looking for the perfect table styling vibe, cosy interior collections, cocktails with a twist, gorgeous linens, magical far away places then why not take a peek at the Winter Warmer Pinterest Board and see where your imagination takes you.

MAKE YOUR OWN TERRARIUM WITH FISKARS

I’ve long been a huge fan of plants in the home, they make you feel calm, are great for your health and create a stylish interior. The trend to style up your space with a wide variety of Instagram friendly greens is not going anywhere, and thanks to Pinterest our love for terrariums and plants is at an all time high, even if we’re making them all wrong!

So when I was invited to SkyGarden by Finnish Gardening gurus, Fiskers to shake off my gardening fears and get some advice from TV Celebrity Botanist, James Wong, to make my very own terrarium, I couldn’t wait to learn some new skills and pass them onto you lovely lot.

LET THERE BE LIGHT // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

 Image source Elle UK 

I have this thing with windows. Yes I'm a Let there be light type of girl and the more the better. It's no wonder that the last few flats I rented were Georgian with huge sash windows, and the secret of it is I've been thoroughly spoilt. We've been looking on the property market for almost a year now and many a good size space has been give the no-go from me due to its tiny windows or dark shadowy rooms, enough to make Paul roll his eyes for sure.

So in the hopes of creating some wriggle room in my brain I've been trying to come up with alternative ways to let there be light in spaces that I might have previously dismissed, or at least share a bit of light interior inspiration to look back on if we ever actually buy anywhere!

ERCOL LAUNCH NEW ICONIC DESIGN FOR AUTUMN 2017

Fancy a factory tour? Well if one of the most iconic British Furniture brands, ercol, invites you for a behind the scenes tour to see some of your favourite pieces being crafted from scratch, then the answer is hell yes! Even if it means getting up at 5.30am and donning a high vis vest.

If you are a lover of product and Interior design then there's no doubt that you will have heard of  ercol, a household name in 1950s and '60s, this brand has been creating stylish pieces of English furniture since 1920 and are still paving the way for innovative design.

IS THE TERRAZZO TREND DEAD?

The interior world is a funny place where style and design come together in a big mixing pot of consumerism and culture, all vying for attention. After reading my pal Sarah's post it got me thinking about current trends and how we are influenced everyday in a bid to create our dream home. I'm not one to jump on a bandwagon when it comes to trends, yes I can say I do like a botanical print but Pantone greenery? Yep that's not really my bag *soz Pantone no offence. For me an eclectic mix is one full of fun, design classics that have stood the test of time and the occasional must have item that you spot in your fave magazine.

Image

Image

As much as trends change and your tastes develop, home is a sanctuary that should reflect the best of you. So here's the big question here on my mind,  is the Terrazzo trend dead? Erm NO. Now some might argue that it hasn't been back on trend since it fell out of popularity in the 70's with it conjuring images of 50's style dinners and granny flats, but this beautiful durable solid flooring is a design classic and if it's good enough for 15th Century Venetians then it's good enough for me.

Image

Image

I love seeing this material pop up on Pinterest in the most beautiful hues and patterns as architects embrace the versatility of this timeless classic. For those not familiar with Terrazzo is traditionally made with small marble chips that have been poured into cement base, ground flat and coated with a sealer, but with the joys of modern technology you can now find slabs made with mother of pearl, metallic, marble, glass and all sorts of interesting materials making it totally swoon worthy!

Image

I'm not really that fussed whether something is on trend, it's more about how I relate to the object. Is it interesting? Inspiring? Beautiful? Tactile? Durable? If I've invested time and money into it the chances are the answer is yes.

So here is a shout out to one of my fave materials, the humble Terrazzo. For me you'll always be on trend.
Save

COOL CERAMICS // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

After my little coffee loving confession last week I thought it would nicely link into one of my fave topics...ceramics. There is nothing quite like holding a beautifully crafted ceramic mug or eating off a   well designed plate *swoon* and it's quite often that our cupboards are over flowing with these objects and I have to make excuses as to why I'm hoarding them. I mean who doesn't need over 20 cups/mugs for two people?

So help yourself to a little eye candy with these cool ceramics for some interior inspiration.

My favourite, Tactile Matter

BEAUTIFUL SCANDINAVIAN STYLE FLOOR INSPIRATION

Now that exciting plans are afoot *pun intended* I am making many mental notes, taking pics and generally pinning like crazy beautiful Scandinavian floor inspiration. Think poured concrete, cool tiles and the lusted after wood floors that I've been dreaming off for oh so long now. Where people might coo and aah over plush furnishings, one of the first thing to get my heart racing is the floor beneath my feet and I can't wait to create a perfect space of our own.

POP UP DINNER WITH DELA & MADE.COM

Before I went into hiding with the Flu, I was very excited to have been invited along to dinner by one of my favourite interior stores, Made.com, at their new Bristol pop up showroom. Ah yes an evening of social mingling with other bloggers, fantastic food by Dela and a general ah-ing and co-ing over their current range *swoon*

5 WAYS TO CREATE A SPA AT HOME

Now I'm not sure about you, but for me one of the joys of December and the whole festive season is really relishing in the cosiness of it all, everything kind of slows down, and apart from the Christmas rush, we seem to give ourselves a chance to catch up (or burn out I can't quite decide)...Anyway the idea of indulging in a little self care always seems relevant in the winter months, dusting off 12 months ready to emerge from the flames like a Phoenix rising into a new year.

The downside of this month, apart from the constant jingle bells booming from every street corner, is how the pounds start to fly out of my account and the purse strings become incredibly tight. So when you fancy a little R&R it's easy to feel guilty indulging in self care *ah daydreaming of a spa day* Instead I thought it would be fun to make a little inspirational spa day that you can create at home. Think slow soaks, waterfall showers, burning candles the works *swoon* Look at these beauties!


Scrolling through bathrooms on Pinterest is becoming a bit of an obsession, probably because ours is tiny and I dream of the day I can design my own little hideaway. I think I've already planned the marble effect walls, poured concrete floor, with maybe a waterfall Grohe shower head and sleek bathroom mirror or something a little more elaborate. Yep picturing my own hideaway where I can sink into hot water without the kiddo interrupting is ace *sigh*.

bathroom 1 / bathroom 2

As I'm not able to totally refurbishing our rented place, the think the easiest way to add that special hygge touch is to treat yourself to beautiful towels, scented candles, gorgeous bath products, sheepskin rug for your toes. Here I've put together bathroom hygge wish list of things that would transform it into a welcome retreat with these five tips on how to create a spa at home.

5 WAYS TO CREATE A SPA AT HOME

Candles & Incense
Yep it's not just for the movies people, these are a sure fire way to help you relax and switch off leaving your senses tingling with the soft flicker of candle light and soothing aromas to help you drift off into a zen like state. I'm loving these Candles and this gorgeous Incense holder.

Wrap It Up 
Splash out and invest in a little luxury with a robe that will give you those hotel vibes and a spa like feel. There's nothing nicer than getting out of a hot bath and relaxing with a calming cuppa in a robe like this.

Treat Your Toes 
Stepping out of the shower or tub onto a cold floor is totally going to kill the spa vibe so this gorgeous curly sheepskin rug is certainly going to make you feel warm and fuzzy *I have these all over the house as they are so super cosy!

All In The Products 
Sometimes the budget brand isn't going to cut it when you want to feel good, and although your beauty and skincare products shouldn't cost the earth, it's good to shop smart. Try indulging in a clay mask (I use the red one and swear by it) or perhaps try an natural and organic brand like Green People.

Lux It Up 
Sometimes all the mind needs is a clear uncluttered space to unwind in, so all sort out all those last minute snagging jobs or overflowing shelves in your bathroom so your mind can relax with a good book. Why not change your shower head for a waterfall one and try bring some plants into the room to create a botanical hideaway.

What little luxury is on your Christmas list this year?

PIN THIS!

*This is a collaborative post.

DIY GOLD GLITTER WASHI TAPE GARLAND

When it comes to Christmas I'm all for a bit of sparkle and making a little magic at home, and I have to admit I was pretty quick in getting the tree up in the flat. As well as unwrapping all the treasured decorations I always like to make a few of my own, so I though it would be fun to share this super easy DIY gold glitter washi tape garland, that literally takes minutes to make once you have the materials at hand. 

It so super easy to make and you only need a few items:

• 1 spool of gold string or twine

• 1 washi tape with your choice of pattern

• White feathers

• Gold glitter

• Craft glue

First cut 2.5 inches of tape and then fold it over your string/twine and then repeat every 3cm along the string until your create a long line of tape. I then went back along and decorated the edges by cutting small triangles into the end but you could leave it with a straight edge for a more contemporary style. 

The finishing touch is made by dipping the end of the feathers into the craft glue and leaving to dry. This will be used to make the end of the garland and add a touch of sparkle to the finished piece.

Once dry, secure the feathers on by trying with a simple knot to the end of the twine and find somewhere to hang your garland. I've used it to decorate this Stag head and bring a bit of colour to the wall.  

There we have it! A super simple DIY gold glitter washi tape garland that is so easy you could even get the kiddos to make it and use it to jazz up plain walls or even wrap around the tree. If you fancy making this yourself why not pin the image below or save it for a rainy day. 

* Stag Head c/o French Bedroom Company.

COURTYARD GARDEN IDEAS WITH LIVINGETC HOUSE TOURS

When exploring some beautiful London homes on the Livingetc house tours with ao, we stepped upon this little slice of magic tucked behind the mint stable doors of this side street mews. Nothing quite prepared me for the treasures it held as we wandered through the open of doors of this fab fabric designer's home. With a courtyard garden to die for and every room opening out onto this secluded garden with hints of the Med, it was easy to forget I was standing in the heart of the city.

LIVINGETC HOUSE TOURS 2016 AND STEEL WINDOW FRAMES // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

The other week I was invited down to London to spend a fab day with some lovely bloggers to take a peek into some colourful, quirkly and gorgeous homes as part of the the LivingEtc House Tours with ao.com I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Friday and I was excited to be inspired by some real life interiors as we hopefully buying our first flat  soon *squeal* and I need all the ideas I can get.. also I'm super nosey so this was a perfect day out for me and the first house was just swoon!

MY FAVOURITE MAGAZINES AND WIN THIS STYLISH MOROCCAN PALM WOVEN PLATE

One of my fave pastimes is pottering around at home, rearranging things and generally creating pockets of pretty in the flat. I'm a visual person so good aesthetics helps me feel calm, happy and generally keeps me positive. So any chance to create a space to sit, chill and be inspired by some of my favourite magazine is ace for me.

BEST BAR & RESTAURANT DESIGN // No 197 CHISWICK FIRE STATION

I've been super excited to share this gorgeous interior space with you because quite frankly it's totally swoon worthy, has been on my list of places to visit for an age and it's an instagrammers dream, oh the food is pretty awesome too. I would go as far to say that No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is up there on my best bar & restaurant design list, with its beautiful stripped back interior and utilitarian style keeping it true to its Fire Station heritage.

HOW TO PUT UP A SHELF WITH STYLE

I always love looking through Pinterest to get ideas and inspiration when it comes to interiors, although I must admit to shying away a little when it comes to making holes in walls for anything larger that a print, although I do remember picking up a masonry drill to fix curtain poles once but *ahem* we won't talk about that... Yep I'm much more into painting, decorating, creating accessories and styling than walking round with a tool belt, but I always love a challenge and rarely say no.

So when British Gypsum invited myself and two other interior bloggers, Sarah Akwisombe and Jen from Love Chic Living, to check out there new Gyproc Habito plasterboard and style up a shelfie for a shoot they were doing I knew it was going to be fun.

GET SUMMER READY WITH A MINI GARDEN MAKEOVER

With temperatures set to sizzle over 30C next week as a heat wave hits the UK, it looks like the summer switch has finally been flicked on. This can only mean one thing... it's time to get summer ready with a mini garden makeover. I'm still longing for a cool courtyard to call my own and enjoy with friends on dusky evenings, but as we rent our flat and mainly use the surrounding green areas as our *not so private* lawn, I decided to spruce up the next best outdoor space, my mama's garden and create a little haven at home so we could all enjoy the warm weather.