Winter warmers

It’s bitterly cold outside at the moment, in fact it seems to have been for weeks now!  Our heating bill has rocketed, I’m really hoping it gets warmer soon. 

floral scarves, by Avoca Anthology

At least we can all step outside and brave the plummeting temperatures in style with these gorgeous accessories.  Go for pretty colour and loud print for a cheery outlook on a dull day!  Don’t worry it’ll soon be spring…

gloves, by Bernstock Speirs

mohair lace socks, Plümo

wooly knitted hat, Accessorize

finglerless gloves, by Accessorize

ribbon tie cardigan, 3.1 Philip Lim

posted by Emily

Attention-grabbing interiors

Isn’t it amazing what a difference the little details can make? Even the smallest accessory in your home can have a massive impact on the image you project. With this in mind, here is a selection of a few pieces that can liven up even the most basic and classic of interiors.

Let’s start small, with this pretty reindeer-shaped candle holder. Definitely cute, it would look great on any dining table before, after and even during (if you’re careful!) Christmas dinner.

reindeer candle holder, thisnext.com

I’m actually quite taken with this next interesting vase / candle holder. I love the whole idea of this dual-purpose accessory designed by Harry Allen. It’s cast from his own arm, and can be used to display flowers to dramatic effect…

Harry Allen Bestow vase/ candle holder $75, at designpublic.com

Or to support a candle in a slightly creepy way…

Seriously, can you imagine having only this to light your home during a black-out? That’s got to be scary!

For a more friendly, fairytale-like approach to the old vase, check out this sweet little offering by Jamie Hayon…

I love how the flowers make the horses look like unicorns. And I think it’s so refreshing to see vases that are able to get attention for their own design rather than be overshadowed by the beauty of their flowers. 

Moving on to soft furnishings, this horse head cushion from Kropserkel, is sure to make a statement! Send as a gift-with-a-hidden-meaning to make a point, or better yet an offer they can’t refuse (sorry, I couldn’t resist!) or just pop it into your guest’s bed for some old school Godfather scares!

And finally, for those of us who just want to get back to nature, these cushions, designed by the immensely talented Ronel Jordaan, are just what the doctor ordered…

Horse head pillow $45, kropserkel.com

And finally, for those of us who just want to get back to nature, these cushions, designed by the immensely talented Ronel Jordaan, are just what the doctor ordered…

Stone cushions, at conceptrends.com

The shapes look so clean and earthy, while the material (100% merino wool) makes them a rather luxurious choice.

Making a house a home: a vase less ordinary

Even a simple vase can become beautiful with the right flower in it. This one right here for example, can bring some oriental elegance to any living room. I love how the red flower just sets off the clean lines and crisp colour of the vase.

This next vase is just too 007 not to be included here…

And while we’re on the subject of things you wouldn’t normally think of using as vases, who would have thought that a fish could smell like flowers!

Two fish vase by Christofle $315, at vivre.com

And finally, my favourite. As the two pieces of this vase, created by industrial designer Alessandro Beda, are separate, you can make it as long or short as you want. It really is a gorgeously unusual vase!

Whale vase, by Alessandro Beda

Making a house a home: the glow of candlelight

Last week we kicked off our accessories series with some unique and inspiring cushions. This week we’re all about the candles! They create an aura of warmth in any space, they smell great and they give your skin the most beautiful golden glow. With so many candles around at the moment, you are almost certain to find one that will match your every mood.

For a bit of decadence why not try this fabulous rhubarb scented candle by D.L. & Co.

D.L. & Co. candle $35, barneys.com

For understated elegance and sophistication, Philosophy has just the thing: the Amazing Grace candle is infused with the perfume of the same name, and comes with the signature uplifting text on the packaging.

Philosophy candle $36, sephora.com

For an incredibly luxurious gift look no further than Jo Malone’s candle trousseau; a beautiful leather case filled with candles in signature scents.

Jo Malone candle trousseau $595, shop.nordstrom.com

It’s not necessary to buy expensive candles, of course. After all, it’s what you do with them that counts. So here is some inspiration for you from the newmexicophotos.com blog.

from the newmexicophotos blog

I expect it would take quite some time to arrange your candles in this way, but if you have the energy then I definitely think it’s worth it!