Prop Stylist: Scott Horne

I've always been interested in the extras. You know, the little things in life. When I go clothes shopping I go straight to the accessories section and similarly with home stores, where I tend to bypass the furniture floor (clearly I head back after!) opting for the lighting, ceramics or textiles areas first. The ability to change up the feel of a room with a flutter of new accessories is considerable. Switching the lampshade on your reading lamp or alternating your pillow covers can inject new life into a scheme with little outlay or effort. That's why I'm so impressed by the work of New York City-based Prop Stylist Scott Horne. His portfolio demonstrates an excellent attention to detail, whilst his ability to bring colour into a space is inspired. Not only does he sprinkle his styling sparkle in interiors, he kinda rocks food styling as well. Check this dude out!

Scott Horne

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Kate Spade's London Pop-Up Shop

Do you find there are some things in life that you just get? The Kate Spade brand, for me, is one of those things. Their first ever European-based pop-up shop has opened it's doors in Covent Garden, London and let me tell you, it is a treat for the senses. Preppy bright stripes welcomed me as I passed a lofty bunch of bright red balloons swaying gently in the wind, almost waving passers-by to come inside. Once through the double doors, I was greeted warmly by upbeat, knowledgeable and helpful sales assistants, who felt more like friends than staff. I've said it before: American companies know how to do retail. Properly. I was encouraged to relax and take in the space, so I spent time chatting to the staff about the previous evening's launch party. A band called The Like performed; backed by Mark Ronson, they have a cool garage, rock-pop sound. Check them out!

The attention to detail throughout the pop-up shop - which has been designed to look like what Kate's place would look like should she live in London - continues to surprise with each new room. From yellow colour blocking in the living room to chic matt green hues in the bedroom, the visual merchandising is as stylish and iconic as the brand's product assortment. There's even a photo booth which you can jump into and have six snaps taken as a free memento of your in-store experience. The pop-up shop is open until 10th November after which the brand will open a permanent retail space in Spring 2011. If you are in London then I would thoroughly recommend you pop in - the hour I spent inside the shop yesterday was the best fun I've had shopping in a long while. Well, with that utterly fabulous grey sofa, how could it not be?!

images and layout by Bright.Bazaar | album cover via The Like

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Styling Inspiration: Elephant Props

Do you ever fall upon a blog, website or creative space and instantly it connects with your aesthetic? Well, this very experience happened to me when I turned the first page of Sweet Paul's fall issue, whose inside cover was dedicated to advertising Elephant Props, a full-service prop house in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood. Ran by Michele, a former prop stylist, and Patrick, a former set designer and builder, you can just imagine the visual delights within their prop house. Discovering Elephant Props was as exciting as winning the golden ticket was for Charlie.

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{Stylist Lo Bjurulf: Swoonalicious Ikea Shoot}

Anyone off to a party this weekend? Perhaps you are organising a friend's wedding reception, or maybe your BFF's latest birthday party? Well, whatever you do, please check out the wonderfully inspirational portfolio of Lo Bjurulf before you get started. Lo has recently teamed up with Ikea to produce some super stunning party scenes that showcase their latest products. I've put some of my favourite images from the shoot into five different party styles. I'd love to know which one would you go to?

Images: Lo Bjurulf

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{Three Step Mantle Update}

This mantle is in my Mum's house and is in an all-white scheme (white walls, sofas etc) with pops of bright colour added through rugs, stoneware and cushions. Although the rest of the room is lovely, the mantle of the fireplace was too bare for words. So, in three simple steps I helped her to take it from lackluster to stylish statement. Here's what I did...

Before

Step One

No it's not vintage, nor is it something you would find in Christie's, but this Vegas print is fun and colourful - just what the room is all about (Mum uses it as a playroom for her grand children a lot).

Step Two

I wanted to pick up on the golden hues of the canvas, especially as gold and black are total BFFs and make a super hot couple.

Step Three

Finally, I felt it was important to soften the vignette with a touch of femininity, so I picked up the burnt orange/yellow oil bottle (a bargain at £3.50), disposed of the lid, filled it with water and popped in a fresh bloom. Et volia! Mum's mantle updated in three simple steps.

Images: Will

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{Oh, hello Toast}

Image: Will Taylor

I ventured into Toast this afternoon and this little vignette caught my eye. The matt yellow and grey hues of the crockery have farmhouse chic written all over them. Love, love, love!

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{Birthday giveaway: Kitchen goodies}

Today's birthday giveaway is one for the foodies. I recently blogged about how I often find myself inspired by food styling and the photography of recipe books. The kitchen is often full of exotic smells and exciting colours; it's one of the most sensory experiences inside the home and, I think, a place for endless inspiration when it comes to interiors.

If you're a fan of baking or kitchen paraphernalia, then you are luck because there are two prizes up for grabs today. The fun and funky Poppie muffin tray not only looks good when it's not in use, but being made out of silicone it makes baking so much easier. Whoever wins this has to bake me mini muffins, though...just kidding!

The second of today's prizes is the Lapu Lapu chopstick set, which sees a collaboration between Habitat and Italian designer Paola Navone. The collaboration includes bowls, plates and more, all of which feature the signature fish logo of Navone's studio. Win this funky chopstick set and Asian dining will never be the same again!

Images: Habitat

To enter this foodie giveaway, leave a comment explaining why your kitchen is in need of these stylish utensils. I'll randomly pick two comments when it closes at midnight tonight, and the winners will get either the Poppie tray or the Lapu Lapu set. Best of luck!

T's & C's: This giveaway is open to UK residents only, due to Habitat's delivery policy and closes at midnight on 9th March 2010. Only one entry per reader, please. The winner will be chosen at random by random.org. The Poppie tray and the Lapu Lapu set cannot be exchanged for cash or any other goods.

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