Colourful Living

Don’t be afraid to use colour in the home.  It can seem quite daunting, especially the use of bold pattern or bright shades.  Try using a colour wheel to get to know which colours compliment which and get experimenting!

Blues and yellows scream summer!

Subtle colours can be just as striking

The general rule of pattern is mix and match as much as you like, but use no more than differing tones of three different colours.

Neutrals, golds and antique pieces work well with deep purples

Images via channel4.com

posted by Emily

Mixing-up old and new in the kitchen

Whilst this kitchen has the essential modern appliances and equipment, character is added with the use of retro and antique decor…

It’s a beautiful room- airy and light and with a gorgeous high ceiling.  Whilst the decor may not be to everyones’s taste (those I asked weren’t overly keen, although I like it!), it’s a good example of how well old and new can work well together.

the silver injects a bit of modernism

I love how striking the red and yellow is against the white background

Choose a few quality antique pieces to add interest

Kitchen styled by Katrine Martensen-Larsen

posted by Emily

The best in urban design

We love retail furniture chain BoConcept when it comes to choosing city-chic decor for the home.  Based in Denmark, the company specializes in modern, urban design.  I particularly like their ideas for optimizing limited space, which is a common issue with city living.  If you’ve any space-saving ideas to share, do let us know!

“Customised storage solutions that will fit into or around the corners are the ultimate space savers. Large wall mirrors and glass for tabletops bounce light around the room and leave an impression of size and endlessness”.

The table pictured (above left) can be used to seat four people, or folded in half as shown when the extra seating is not required.  The fact that the tables pictured to the left are of different heights allows them to overlap and fill a corner, again saving valuable space.

posted by Emily

Quirky ideas

Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration for your imagination run wild!  If your feeling a bit jaded and are stuck for ideas on how to add a bit of quirkiness to your home, why not try one of these…?

via Apartment Therapy

via Decorology

A headboard doesn’t always need to be practical- add a pretty backdrop by hanging a striking piece of printed fabric.  A cheaper option than a standard headboard, too!

via House Beautiful

The garden becomes an ‘outdoor room’ here, with the use of a trellis as the ‘wall’ with outdoor wall hangings to add to the effect.

via Decorology

Don’t be afraid to paint your furniture, whether it’s cheap, tatty or simply old, bring it bang up-to-date with a little DIY!  The wallpaper also looks lovely behind the shower cubicle, but although it is protected from any water, I’d still be wary that the steam may cause it to eventually peel at the corners.  Gorgeous, though!

posted by Emily