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!
Filed under Uncategorized | Tags: accessories, candles | Comment (0)Hampton house in Something’s Gotta Give
I watched Something’s Gotta Give again last night and fell in love with that Hamptons house all over again. Many say this house upstaged the actors and script and apparently Architectural Digest’s article on it was their subscribers’ all-time favourite!
Simply put, this house is elegant yet simple, beautiful, but not overly designed and has such a sense of warmth and tranquility, you almost feel like you’re surrounded by the ocean. The architectural features are stunning: huge french doors, soaring high ceilings and lots of natural light whilst the interiors are a soothing palette of beach colours…
The living room really did it for me… Of course, the architectural backdrop, the fireplace, covings, balcony etc., is great, but the furnishing is also very successful.
The room is brimming with home accessories – no less than four lamps, tons of candles and shell ornaments, cushions and throws in a variety of colours scattered over the sofas and books piled on nearly every surface – yet it doesn’t look cluttered. Everything seems to blend in and kind of disappear, nothing really stands out except of course the wonderful striped nautical rug that covers the whole floor and the Mora clock with its sensuous curves.
Another important element is the contrast between light and dark: the dark wood floors against the light cream walls, the light blue fabric of the sofas against the dark wood legs and tables. Even the balusters and risers are painted white whilst the handrails are dark.
This corner of the living room oozes warmth and coziness and I can totally imagine myself sitting here happily reading my book with a hot chocolate in hand. I’m not sure if it’s the beautifully shaped wicker chairs and striped cushions, or the pretty vase and flowers on the side table, or simply the super neat array of books on the shelves, but the whole thing just really works for me…
In the dining room, the look is softer and more feminine, with the plate display and large iron chandelier taking centre stage. I don’t really understand the fuss about the slipcovered chairs – I personally don’t like them all that much – I think they make the room feel a bit fussed and girly, but that’s just me nitpicking because the overall result is great…
The same style is carried outside into the patio – the lounge chairs and cushions, again in blue and white, and the simple white umbrellas create a relaxed, beachy feel, whilst the candles, wall lanterns and pool lights perfectly finish off that wonderful atmosphere.
It’s the kitchen that seems to have attracted the most press however and although I’m not a fan of country kitchens, I think I understand why. Firstly, it must be because of its size – I don’t know any woman that wouldn’t love to have all this storage space and TWO island units!! Secondly, the contrast of the dark floors and worktop against the white cabinets, combined with the industrial appliances, country kitchen handles and bathroom- style taps, the result is unique and quirky but at the same time very visually appealing!
Here’s a small shopping list to help you achieve this look:
- Duck egg blue striped Dhurry rug £45
- Carrick sofa £1040
- Butlers tray table £40
- Kim dark wicker chair £35
- Mora clock £773
- Wooden candlesticks £23
- Rhea table lamp £100
- Cushions in pastel colours – a variety starting from £25
ALL PHOTOS BY BOB MARSHAK/SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE © 2003 COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES, INC.
Filed under Interior Design, Uncategorized | Tags: accessories, beach, Interior Design, movie | Comments (3)Cushion extravaganza
Cushions are the ultimate home accessory, instantly changing the look and feel of a room without spending the earth (usually!). With an average piece costing £50-£60, the cushions pictured below (from Missoni’s 2008 home collection) are very very expensive, but are sure to make a style statement! Bold and brave as usual, Missoni’s designers have gone for super vibrant colours and patterns.
Although I am a great fan of theirs, I don’t think I’m quite ready to decorate my home so extravagantly yet! Nevertheless, these images are great inspiration and a good example of what one can achieve with colour…
Naturally, Coco Målé also stocks a stunning range of cushions; combining great designs and gorgeous silk fabrics, I truly believe our cushions are great value for money. My personal favourites are the Ella cushion, the Glamour cushion, the Layla cushion and our Carrera cushion although I must admit our bestseller by far is the Moda cushion.
For those of you who are new to interior decorating, here are some helpful tips on accessorizing with cushions:
Filed under Interior Design, Uncategorized | Tags: accessories, colour, cushions, Missoni | Comment (0)
