For me, there’s nothing more enjoyable than coming in from the cold after a long hard day, making a big cup of hot chocolate and snuggling up on the sofa in front of the warm fire.  I’m fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with panoramic views over the Cromarty Firth…

The lounge has a red theme, with a contemporary, fresh feel, whilst remaining sympathetic to the old features of the house.  I love the high ceilings, the peace and quiet and of course the stunning views across the water!

The house is actually an old manse dating back to 1894 and if you look closely (above right) you will notice the old servant bells… unfortunately they no longer ring (plus no one would actually come even if they did!)

It’s the little touches that make all the difference

Do you have a favourite little spot in your home?  Perhaps it’s a comfy chair, a peaceful reading corner,  a dressing table, a pretty vase or even your bed!  Every Friday we will be featuring a snippet of a reader’s home.  If you’d like to feature on our blog, please send your photograph/s in to emily@cocomale.com .  You don’t need to be a professional photographer… we would just like to have a little nosy and share your interior design ideas!

You might also like:

This stunning home designed by Marc Canadell epitomises Hollywood perfectly, with its amazing scenery, luscious weather and its glamorous, laid-back vibe.  What could be more perfect than living in the Hollywood Hills, close to the city yet far enough to get away from it all?  Sigh! I love California but you have to have a fair amount of money to be able to experience it to the full (think trendy rooftop bars, shopping on Rodeo Drive and well, being able to afford a home like this!).

The views are just unreal…

You might also like:

Didmarton House in Tetbury is owned by interior designer, Jo Berryman.  The 17th century Gloucestershire manor house has a beautifully modern interior with quirky home accessories, whilst remaining sympathetic to the building and its rich history.  There are no musty moth balls or creaky floorboards here- more like a stunning period home with an attractive contemporary interior.  Perfect!

This property is currently on the market and is all yours for £2 million.

Images via Mr and Mrs Smith

Posted by Emily

You might also like:

Modern homes aren’t just for bachelors y’know!  I’ve got this idea in my head that all single men have a home full of contemporary, minimalist furniture whilst families go for a more shabby chic homely look, packed full of bits and bobs here, there and everywhere.

Well the reality is that modern home accessories are becoming more and more popular and more of us are mixing and matching colours, prints and textures whilst still striving to maintain that minimalist feel.  What do you think of the rooms below, do they work in the real world?

The different colours and textures in this room are exciting and interesting without being garish

Who said these trendy curved chairs must be refined to the kitchen?

Is the blue just a shade too much?

The living room above doesn’t look particularly comfortable to me… what do you guys think?  I see the lounge as a place to relax and well, lounge about basically, with big squishy chairs and fluffy cushions.  The furniture above looks to harsh somehow.

I love this room above, although it reminds me a little of a seating area in an art gallery.  Arty, relaxed, inviting and contemporary.

Images via House To Home

Posted by Emily

You might also like:

We’re always looking to the past for inspiration but what about the here and now?  Modern home accessories can be very striking, with their clean lines, bold colours and futuristic shapes.

I do love the uncluttered look but it’s just something I could never achieve unless I had oodles of storage space!

Block acylic lampshades, £40.85 each

Menu rubber vase, from £10.50

Define bread dipping tray, around £25

Block orbit aqua clock, £39

Umbra u-lock mirror, £11.23

I think this mirror is a great idea- my boyfriend is forever leaving his razors lying around!

All products are available at My Living Space

Posted by Emily

You might also like: