Livingetc, June 2011 - My Scrapbook Highlights

Livingetc

Given my penchant for colour, it's no surprise that the team's decorating with a soft palette was by far my favourite decorating story from the June issue of Livingetc. Claudia Bryant's seemingly effortless styling has been captured in an almost dream-like state through the lens of Emma Lee; the soft, airy feel to the photographs making the delicate hues all the more appealing. I also enjoyed the botanicals feature (those Apothecary jars are divine) and the Hollywood Hills Sixties home of Derek Mattison caught my eye with its striking mid century-meets-folksy living room (I kinda loved his simple yet ever-so stylish outfit, too). However, the standout tour is the home of Dee Koppany and her partner, Dermot O'Leary - check out that bathroom, folks! An inspiration gallery of outdoor spaces rounded off this lovely summer issue.

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Magazine Sneak Peek - Livingetc, May 2011

Susanne Imre is back at the helm of Livingetc after returning from maternity leave, and I love how she references brights in her first editor's letter back! In fact, much of the May issue centers around bright, summary hues. First up - my favourite story from the issue - Gelato Colours, which reinvents pieces with ice cream shades. As well as the preppy brights, there's also great inspiration for darker, more masculine colour schemes - just check out that black feature wall in the living room, and how seductive is the black space teamed with the dramatic vertical garden - I love it! With product round ups for fruit bowls and coffee tables, and great ideas for your walls and bathrooms there's something to inspire for all. They even managed to squeeze in some cracking recipes from Donna Hay - with knockout food styling to boot. Bravo, guys! P.S. Be sure to check out their limited edition plate auction in aid of Shelter, as there are exclusive designs from the likes of Jonathan Adler, Lee Broom, Donna Wilson and many more.

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Livingetc, April 2011

Where do I start? Honestly, this really is an great, great issue from the Livingetc team. Product round ups on teapots, magazine holders, beds, egg cups and more sit alongside inspiring home tours, all packed full of seasonal ideas as we head into spring. Their indigo story - beautifully styled by Harriet Paterson and shot by Adrian Briscoe - was my favourite, closely followed by April's Shop & Style feature, Cooking, which detailed bright and cheery essentials for the kitchen. The master bedroom of artist Alice Instone caught my eye for its dramatic use of colour, whilst their inspiration gallery on storage ideas left me brimming with ideas to introduce at home. Dive on in and tell me what you're loving.

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Livingetc, March 2011

I spent Saturday morning sat in my favourite stripy chair by our balcony windows, leafing through the March issue of Livingetc whilst gallantly working my way through a pot of Nutella. Despite knowing the temperature was barely above freezing, the sunshine and clear skies outside the window reminded that spring is on the horizon - as did the magazine in my hands. A quirky British style takes over in the Brooklyn brownstone that features as House of the Month (2, 3) and the Totally Tudor feature (4, 5) had my heart skipping at a zillion beats a minute - isn't that bedroom divine? My affections were soon to be shared as I fell upon the industrial dining space inside Karine and Rodolphe's late 19th century Marseille-based home. Two knockout kitchens detailing preppy blues and greens round off my top picks from this subtly spring-like issue. Which tears do you like?

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Livingetc, February 2011

It feels as though we've only dipped our toes into 2011, so you'll be forgiven for finding it hard to believe we're already onto the second issues of the year. February's offering from the stylish folks at Livingetc won't disappoint - in fact, I think it's one of their strongest issues in some time. Inside you'll find: a fine example of what the team charmingly describe as 'hunting-lodge chic'; twelve ideas for weekend updates; a knock out Manhattan apartment and one of my favourite features by the mag for some time: TV Presenter Ben Fogle and the eclectic, colourful home he shares with his wife. Their space details striking modern pieces that pop thanks to their bright hues, whilst vintage additions and worldly finds make for a cosy atmosphere - a grand home indeed! Be sure to pick up an issue to see their Classical Studies feature, tips on displaying books and a round up of the best metro tiles on the market. Oh, and in the meantime, why not pop over to their smashing blog?

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