Wall of memories

Fond memories are very precious to us and photographs help us to relive those special moments, bringing a smile to our face.  Most of us store family photos in an album but why not display your favourites on the wall?

Images via Domino Magazine

Add interest by grouping different shapes, colours and sizes of frames.  The purple feature wall, above, helps to create a modern display.  I love how the frames form a pattern around the corner of a room (top right) and how the light from the lamp turns the corner into a focus point.  Having a block of frames (bottom right) with each image the same size is easy on the eye.  It becomes a piece of art in itself as a whole.

image via Modern House Design Ideas

We’ve all got those small, awkwardly-sized photographs which are difficult to display.  I love the idea shown above, where old picture frames have been grouped, taking pride of place above the bed. 

posted by Emily

Shop of the Week- Scandinavian Design

We all need something bright and cheerful in our everyday lives don’t we?  ISAK is a colourful Scandinavian brand of design gifts and co-ordinated home accessories sure to brighten-up any home! 

hand printed cot quilt cover and pillowcase

Designer and founder of the brand, Sandra Isaksson’s style is unmistakeably Scandinavian with splashes of colour influenced by her heritage and travels.  The patterns are ideal for children and grown-ups alike! 

Penguin turquoise wallpaper 

Some of the prints remind me a little of Orla Kiely…

100% Norwegian wool penguin blanket

dragonfly dress (how cute is this photo?!)

posted by Emily

A House in The Hamptons

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dream of partying with Paris Hilton in the Hamptons.  Sounds like the perfect summer holiday to me!  Whilst I know you won’t all be sharing my view, I’ve no doubt you wouldn’t say no to staying in one of the most luxurious areas in the world. (sigh…!)

There’s no getting away from the fact that c/o The Maidstone is a stunning building.  This East Hampton hotel, restaurant and lounge oozes Scandinavian chic, right down to the Swedish breakfast!

Lovely golden and turquoise hues add a touch of luxury…

Safari theme to the extreme, maybe?!

This is such a dreamy, relaxing bedroom, with the soft greys and cream.  Love the cushions but those throws are just screaming ‘grandma’s shawl’!  The headboard provides the main focus point.

Love the wallpaper but maybe in a different setting?  It’s interesting how the frame suggests the wallpaper is a piece of art in its own right.

This is a little too colourful for my liking… what do you think?  I’m wondering if the wallpaper wasn’t a step too far; all those colours in one space make me fell dizzy!  Scandinavian design is undoubtedly colourful!

posted by Emily

Top tips for a small bathroom

We’re in the process or redecorating our small bathroom and if I’ve learned one thing it’s this- in a small space, less is always more.  Steer clear of overdone themes; every detail, image, or colour has more presence in a small bathroom.  Each element must be carefully considered. 

A mixture of pale colours, clear glass and reflective surfaces can create an illusion of space in a small bathroom. Cool, light colours such as pale blue, lilac and aqua can help to make a room seem larger.  Try decorating the bathroom entirely in one single colour or shades of the same colour to add to the illusion of size.  Sounds simple but it works!

Wall-mounted fittings (see below) make the floor area appear larger and cabinets or vanity units that are on raised legs have a less bulky look.

Accent your decorative scheme with well-planned lighting inset into the ceiling. Good overall ambient light is important, along with careful placement of ‘task lighting’ in shower and vanity areas (ie light where you require it most).

Why not consider using marble or brass?  Costly materials are more affordable in small quantities and add a touch of luxury.  No girl could say no to that, right?!

posted by Emily