I don’t know about you but I’m definitely a night owl and I welcome anything which may make getting up in the morning more pleasurable!  If the lighter mornings and sunshine aren’t enough to get you going, take some inspiration from the images below.  I’d be up with the lark if my kitchen looked as enticing as this!

with thanks to Design Sponge and Decor8 for these images

above: Houndstooth Table Runner, £21, Coco Målé

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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…

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I stumbled upon this image whilst searching for something else- isn’t that always the way!  The stylish seating against the wall just finishes the room off perfectly.  What better way to use that awkward bit of space between the wardrobes?  As well as being somewhere to perch whilst you put on your stockings and fasten your shoes, the seating can also be used as storage.  Usually this style is used for a window seat.  It’s a brilliant way to make some extra space in a room too!

via Apartment Therapy

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Looking at these stunning images, it may come as no surprise that the owner of this beautiful New York apartment is an interior designer. 

Sheila Bridges has, in fact, been named “America’s Best Interior Designer” by CNN and Time Magazine.

Bridges founded her own interior design firm in 1994,  which is “committed to creating high-end, interior spaces that are thought-evoking and visually interesting while also comfortable and livable”. 

In 2007, Sheila’s passion for interiors inspired her to design furniture and home furnishings under the name Sheila Bridges Home, Inc.

The chosen colour pallet is so harmonious and relaxing!  The blue tones are refreshing for summer, yet also offer a feeling of warmth for the winter months. The eclectic mix of antique furniture seems to fit together perfectly, which is quite a difficult look to perfect.  Beautiful high ceilings, interesting features… I can’t spot any faults so far!

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New York is such a diverse city, oozing with creative and cultural inspiration.  Although money doesn’t buy style, with the price of a stylish New York apartment averaging around $1.7 million according to the New York Times, it certainly helps!  However for us mere mortals, at least we can take inspiration from their style.

The front room below is stunning with it’s simplistic modern furniture and fabulous large windows is the epitome of New York style.  I particularly love the blue tinted window- so simple but looks great!

above: red hallway designed by Ron Marvin, who has his own residential firm based in NYC

I  like the style of designer Amy Lau.  I’ve only just discovered her work and I am assuming the website is being updated as I can find little information about her.  She founded her interiors firm, Amy Lau Design, in 2001- learn more about her work and background here.

Below are some images of her work… enjoy!

have a lovely Bank Holiday break everyone!

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