Quirky house in Kensal Rise

This north west London home is so light, airy and refreshing.  I love the  gentle pastel colour palette, which continues throughout the house.  So much inspiration!  It just goes to show how a few carefully-placed home accessories can turn a house into a home…

White flooring and walls give the illusion of space due to the continuation of colour

The dining area has a very organic feel to it.  The miss-match of chairs finish the room off beautifully

This collage of prints on the wall helps to bring the room together and gives it a modern touch

Even small touches can make a place feel more homely.  D.I.Y doesn’t always have to be costly!

posted by Emily

Easy does it

It’s easy to see why Katie favours her home country so much, with its sunny climes, stunning beaches and pretty coastal towns.  The lifestyle is calm, relaxed and easy-going….

Perivolas is a great representation of this relaxed lifestyle.  A restored group of 300 year-old caves once the homes, wineries and stables of fishermen and farmers, Perivolas is now a complex of 17 private houses.

The archways and alcoves are home to minimalist furniture.  The gentle curvicture of the structure, along with the thick white stone walls and gentle colour pallett make the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat.

With thanks to Mr and Mrs Smith Hotels

posted by Emily

Fabulous French Furniture

One of my favourite homewear shops has got to be Maison in Richmond.  Every time I go in I feel I want to buy everything!  The French-style furniture is beautiful and of noticably high quality, whilst the accessories are so cute, especially the childrens’ range!

Much of the furniture is white wash and of a traditional style, therefore if you favour the Old England, shabby-chic or traditional French or English look, this company will be like a dream for you! 

Cheeky Charlie large childrens’ bookcase, £995

Cheeky Charlie storage settle, £495

Chateau single armoire with mirrored door, £875

Regency occasional chair, £550

Romance bed, from £475

Sophie three drawer curvy chest, £1295

by resident blogger, Emily

Greek heaven continued…

As you might have realised, I’m feeling a bit homesick these days (always happens following the summer holidays!), so here are some more lovely pictures of houses on Greek islands (to keep the spirit alive…)

The owners of this house (on the island of Paros) have not only gone for pure white but have also kept decoration to the absolutely essential – with very limited decorative accessories, no art on the walls and practically no soft furnishings (no curtains, no cushions, no throws)… Against all odds though, the house still looks beautiful and cosy and I think this is because of the abundant use of textures, from the cemented ceiling to the stone floor and bamboo strips on the walls.

In fact, this is what a summer house should look like in my opinion – simple and laid back…

A light blue table, a few chairs and a lone stick are practically the only items in this room, making it look simple and unfussy. I can totally imagine opening those double doors every morning, letting the sun shine through and enjoying my breakfast there… bliss!

The same “naked” style is continued in the main bedroom – the built up bed stays true to tradition, whilst the white bamboo screen gives a sense of privacy and serenity.

The uber-modern kitchen contrasts perfectly with the grey stone flooring and the white glossy units are an excellent choice for this space as they reflect the light coming in through the double doors and make it look bigger.

The striped nautical cushions and light blue shutters are the only hints of colour in this house and serve to remind guests that they are on holiday and by the sea… enjoy!