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!

White dreams – breathtaking house in the Aegean

I’ve always loved the Cycladic architecture and so just couldn’t help falling in love with this beautiful house on the Greek island of Sifnos.

Built on the edge of a cliff with stunning views of the sea, the owners have achieved a modern effect whilst keeping to tradition with the white-washed exterior, exposed beams and blinding white floors throughout.

Dark wood furniture and tribal- inspired decorative accessories contrast perfectly with the white canvas whilst a huge work of art by Fernandez Pijuan creates a stunning feature wall.

The rattan and bamboo furniture just add to the rustic feel whilst the extra large sofa and dozens of cushions ensure a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Kerb appeal – the split door and few planters give guests a taste of what awaits – a magical, serene world of white.

Everything, from the sofa to the shelves and fireplace, is built-in here, not only making the room look much bigger but also lending it a strong air of harmony. Again, a few cushions scattered here and there and the large book collection ensure that the room looks lived in and not clinical.

White reigns throughout this house and nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen, where it is interrupted only by the few coloured home accessories, the retro ceiling lights and the pistachio coloured fridge.

The bedroom continues in the white theme and is the epitome of serenity, with just a simple built-in bed and and large floor cushion acting as a bed end stool.

Photos from Idaniko Spiti (Ideal Home Greece)