Bold & Colourful Bedroom

1

This triangle wallpaper is brilliant! Whilst I wouldn't use it in vast spaces, I think it would be ideal for lifting a dark alcove, adding interest to a small bathroom wall or making a striking feature out of a chimney breast. Mix in those wonderful colours and I'm a happy chap! That patchwork beadspread looks pretty, too.

read more "Bold & Colourful Bedroom"

Martha Stewart Living: Blue & White Decorating Ideas

Over my Easter break I spent a lazy morning reading the April issue of Martha Stewart Living from cover to cover. Fresh coffee in hand, I devoured the inspirational pages noting down recipe and decorating ideas as I went. For the last few days I've kept returning to their 'Cool Blues' story; the refreshing palette of summary blue hues and creamy whites continually inspiring my creativity. So, there was nothing for it - I simply had to blog about it! As well as sharing the feature, I've pulled together some of my favourite blue and white shopping buys in the market right now. I just love that H&M Home cushion, and that Westelm plate has striking graphic elements to it. Who am I kidding: I love them all! What catches your eye?

Martha Stewart Living tears: Photography by Simon Watson; Text by Kathleen Hackett; Created by Rebecca Robertson, Scott Horne and Erin Jang | Market Picks by Bright.Bazaar: Orla Kiely; H&M Home; Habitat (Vase, Tumbler, Bottle); Benjamin Moore Paints (1, 2, 3); Westelm

read more "Martha Stewart Living: Blue & White Decorating Ideas"

Bright and Rustic Dining Room

1 via 2

Last week I shared a pretty much perfect living room - this week it's all about this bright, bold and gently rustic dining space. Of course the turquoise table goes along way to winning my colour loving heart, but the mismatched chairs and bold patterned fabrics on the cushion pads also play a big part. Whilst it may be everywhere, I still don't mind the Knappa pendant from IKEA - it's affordable and looks great, which is a winner in my book! Meanwhile, artwork propped up against the wall and the bursting magazine holder create a relaxed feel to the space.

read more "Bright and Rustic Dining Room"

Colourful Swedish Kitchen

1

This kitchen space makes me one super duper happy chap. A divine slice of Sweden mixed with playful pops of colour, it's uplifting decor and bright, airy atmosphere makes for a winning combination. I can just imagine myself living in this kitchen: In the week I'd spend my mornings tap, tap, tapping away on my macbook, perched on the Tolix stools and fresh coffee brewing to my left. Afternoons would be spent whipping up a quick supper as the day's final rays beamed down onto the geometric floor. Then, come the weekend, the macbook would be swapped for the weekend papers and the Magi Mix would be thrown into action. Basically, this kitchen kinda rocks.

read more "Colourful Swedish Kitchen"

Colour Cocktail: Silky Grey and Sapphire Blue

Inspired by the royal engagement, this week's colour cocktail is about adding a touch of luxury to your space. Kate Middleton looked radiant in her sapphire blue dress, dazzling the world with that ah-mazing ring. Now your home can dazzle, too! Rather than buying the over-priced engagement mug, bag yourself a new-look interior, instead. Treat yourself to a shimmering throw cushion or perhaps dress up your lighting with a glamorous new shade. Be sure to work in some delicate grey hues to your base colour scheme, as this will ensure your homage to the royal engagement airs on the right side of sophistication. Order yourself a sapphire surprise and come next summer you'll be sat watching the wedding in your own little Buckingham Palace!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

read more "Colour Cocktail: Silky Grey and Sapphire Blue"

Colour Cocktail: Cerulean Blue and Candy Yellow

Picture the scene: sunlight is pouring through your balcony doors, the chiffon curtains are billowing in the gentle breeze and the roll of cerulean blue waves sound through your apartment with comforting regularity. The brilliant white walls of your sea-view living room are like a prism of perfection to the rays of sunshine that beat down with warm abandon. Dancing around the room your loyal rays of sunshine ache for a colourful partner to accompany them during the long summer days. All they ask in return for their uplifting warmth is a splash of yellow stripes, or a familiar throw in cerulean blue to lift their spirits and complete the perfect summertime scheme.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

read more "Colour Cocktail: Cerulean Blue and Candy Yellow"

Colour Cocktail: Blue and Black

This cocktail is for the Nigella's of this world. You know, those of us who wake in the middle of the night and trot down to the kitchen to whip up a fabulous fruit gateau, whilst gently flirting with the camera. Similarly, whenever midnight blue finds itself in the same scheme as chalkboard black, the flirtatious twosome can't help but tease one another. However, they are always careful not to step on each other's toes; if Mrs. Black is ruling the roost, then Mr. Blue knows he's to let go of the limelight. To ensure the cocktail works its seductive magic it's important to keep the flirting between these two strong hues at bay. Achieve this with a bold wall in shimmering midnight blue hues and ground it with deep, sensual black accent accessories.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

read more "Colour Cocktail: Blue and Black"

Colour Cocktail: Midnight Blue and Tomato Red

Hark! There's a new couple on the block and they're mixing things up with their seductive red style. Rumour has it that they swished into number thirty two carrying cushions, throws and art works dripping with new britannic style. Already deep navy blue fabrics teamed with glossy tomato reds have been spotted glimmering through their upstairs windows so number thirty one won't be the most stylish on this block for long. So, guys and gals, it's time to step up the game and order a double round of new britannics!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 + 8 | 9

read more "Colour Cocktail: Midnight Blue and Tomato Red"

Home Tour: A Teal Story

I fell upon this delightful little space whilst browsing the entries for Apartment Therapy's annual colour contest. It immediately spoke to me: the bold use of shimmering teal hues emblazoned on all four walls works wonders as a backdrop to Joshua's eclectic finds. The casually draped lighting cord with it's coral-orange fusion reminded me how delicious orange is with teal. Although this is a small space, Joshua has managed to fill it with interesting trinkets; by placing them in old sewing drawers attached to the wall it serves to frame them, whilst also preventing a cluttered look.

Positioning furniture away from right angles helps to loosen a smaller space, opening it up by adding visual interest; the eye focuses on the unusual arrangement rather than the shape of the room itself. Corners are softened with delicate vignettes (who knew stacked chairs would work the camera so well?!), whilst simple lighting casts a gentle eye over the proceedings. There must be something about small spaces that connects with me, as I almost always find them hugely inspiring.

Apartment Therapy

read more "Home Tour: A Teal Story"

Sunday's Bright Links

I guest posted a runway to home feature over on Layers and Layers' blog.

Argentine Tango on the Christopher Street Pier in NYC? Yes, please!

An old colleague (and newly rekindled friend) of mine, Rachie, has just started blogging this week. I'd love for you to head over and say hello. Plus, check out this baby shower she threw. A-mazing!

Eddie Ross inspired me with his jar full of fresh blooms.

Take a visual tour through the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Leslie's Colour Me Pretty post was, quite literally, very pretty.

Dallas shares some sneak peeks from Oscar de la Renta's NYC fashion week show, along with a breathtakingly beautiful sketch she did at the show.

Justina's blog crawl post confirmed just why Compai is one of my favourite daily reads.

read more "Sunday's Bright Links"

Home Tour: Emily Henderson

Emily Henderson wasn't content with winning a TV show, presenting her own TV programme or launching a spanking new blog. Nope. She had to have a down right fabulous home, too. And boy am I glad she does because it's a testament to her understated and relaxed decorating style. Flea market finds and small, delicate vignettes create an effortlessly stylish space, which showcases her talent as a prop stylist. Her use of midnight blue hues add depth and visual interest to the scheme that flows throughout the whole apartment. Meanwhile, vintage artworks are hang proudly on the walls, each new drawing or painting adding a quirk to her eclectic home. Oh, and I should mention, she's utterly charming in person as well.

design*sponge

read more "Home Tour: Emily Henderson"

Sunday's Bright Links

Marcus Design takes us through the new trend for inky blues.

Lana's post on a dreamy outdoor wedding warms the soul on this cold autumnal day.

Typographical art that you don't want to miss.

Great shoes. Great socks.

Street art that is bound to get you feeling creative.

How many pins could you put onto this places of America map?

A European-style apartment in Brooklyn.

read more "Sunday's Bright Links"

{Home Tour: French Farmhouse}

I didn't believe it possible to love the French Farmhouse look anymore than I already did, but as soon as these images from Karine over at BODIE and FOU landed in my inbox I was swiftly proven wrong! Karine and Steve's family home has already been featured in countless interiors glossies, including Grand Designs and The Telegraph magazine, so I'm excited to share with you what I love about their farmhouse. For me, it's all about the fresh and modern take on the space - no cliches, just pure, relaxed style with one bold hit of colour, which allows for the muted palette that runs throughout the majority of the space. That hit of colour comes in the form of the best shutters I have ever seen; aren't they wonderful...I'm guessing I won't be the only one who is dying over them right now?!  The shutters' bold blue colour emerges in softer, lighter hues in several spaces throughout the rest of the house, which ties the space together with such ease. Even their inspiration wall displays various hues from the blue family. A pure delight.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

read more "{Home Tour: French Farmhouse}"

{Wednesday Wedding Decor}

It's funny because I don't think I would have ever associated this blue shade with wedding decor, but somehow it works. Vibrant and fun this is certainly a colour that says Celebration, with a capital 'C'. It's the perfect hue for a beach wedding, or any wedding where the decor spills into outside space. Arn't those blue pom poms fun? And as for those azure blue trays with the white and sea blue tablescapes, wowzers. Well, I'm sold: A blue lagoon wedding makes for the perfect summer celebration!

Images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

read more "{Wednesday Wedding Decor}"

{Colour Cocktail: Blue and Pink}

Happy Friday, Friends! The weekend has finally arrived and it's time for some serious chill out time. I'm getting in the mood with a decent cocktail of summer's hot colour combo, Blue and Pink. It's perfect for that summer time vibe and is a super quick way to make a scheme scream HAPPY. On that note, I hope you have a wonderful weekend; I'm moving to a new apartment on Monday, so my weekend involves boxes, bubble wrap and post-it notes (yes, the glamour just keeps on coming folks!). There's a cocktail to be enjoyed first, though...

Images: (left to right, from top) 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 via here

read more "{Colour Cocktail: Blue and Pink}"

{Colour Inspiration: Azure Blue}

I was lucky enough to holiday to the Greek islands several times during my childhood and ever since my first visit I have been drawn back to the azure blue hues, which are almost synonymous with the islands. It's a great colour to use when decorating and can give two effects: use as an accent for a calming scheme or mix shades and tones (just like the sea) for a more dramatic look. I like it best used as an accent shade (6) - I've decided it's a shade of blue that's definitely best friends with white. Which is your favourite?

Images: 1, 3. designshrine; 2. Living Etc; 4. House to Home; 5, 6. House of Turquoise

read more "{Colour Inspiration: Azure Blue}"