Candles to Set the Mood

Cheap and cheerful and really effective if you get the look right… candles are the perfect pick-me-up during the recession!  Studies show we are spending more time in rather than going out of an evening, to save money. 

Set a relaxing, romantic mood in your home with an attractive candle display.  Don’t be afraid to experiment- the images below from Decor8 provide plenty of inspiration.  Have fun!

above: Orange and cinnamon scented candle bowl, £11, Coco Målé      Scented wax is carefully handpoured over a layer of pot pourri in a solid glass orb.

above:  Marrakech Hurricane Holder, £17 Coco Målé    

above: displays by Decor8

above: Gorgeous Helen candle holders by Anke and Katrin are designed in fragile white parchment with cute prints. The set contains three different shades and all you have to do is roll them up, place a candle in a wine glass and cover it with the lampshades.   

Now I know this isn’t a candle but how cute is it!  Just perfect in the bedroom on your dressing table…

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.

The stuff of romance

Well it’s here again, the most romantic day of the year is just a day away. And in the spirit of the day, we’re having a look at some beautiful and romantic settings.

First up, the fabulously decadent Mayfair Hotel in London…

Talk about co-ordinating… Even the shoes match the cushions! I have to say, I think the colour is just amazing. A paler pink would make it all very sugary. The darkness of this however adds a touch of sophistication.

Speaking of sophistication, I think I might be a little bit in love with the spa in the Watermark Hotel…

It just looks like the perfect place to relax with your partner. The muted colours, the plants, the candles… On second thought, it looks like the perfect place to relax on your own! And while we’re on the topic of bathing away the stresses of the day, check out the bathroom in The Bale hotel in Bali..

Now that is pure indulgence! Once again, it’s all about the candles and the flowers. Is there anything those little things can’t improve?! And fortunately, this little talk of candles brings us seamlessly (ahem…) to this little picture of paradise, courtesy of the Bucuti beach resort in Aruba…

I realise of course that this is not really interior design, but I just couldn’t help myself. This for me, is just the essence of romance. But I should probably stop staring at it and just post this!

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!