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Room envy // Cosy in Denmark
April 10, 2012
It is not uncommon to see the same homes pop up again and again in interior magazines and blogs. It can get annoying but one such example that is definitely worthy of all the attention is the Denmark home of Tine Kjeldsen - the force behind the fabulous homeware brand, Tine K.
I love how Tine fuses French, Moroccan, Asian and Scandinavian influences to create a nest that is interesting and cosy, and not the slightest bit cluttered. Quite an achievement.
Source: Est Magazine
Friday favourites // 19
April 6, 2012
1. Aren't Ibride laminate trays just great? They may be quite pricey but not quite so bad when you think of them as wall art. Available at Liberty and Lifestyle Bazaar.
2. We’ve been working with Annie Sloan chalk paints this week as we develop our furniture painting classes. There’s some really beautiful colours – including the newest additions – French Linen, Original and Antionette.
3. I’ve been writing a feature about coffee culture in the UK and got some great tips from expert baristas. It seems that a grinder is definitely the way forward.
4. So grilled cheese is to Americans what cheese on toast is to us Brits – the ultimate comfort food. But I’m sure we’d see it on menus more in the UK if chefs served it like this recipe from Sprouted Kitchen – toast topped with sauteed chard and grugere cheese. Mmm.
5. Isn’t seared tuna just so chic and simple? Here’s how to do it right.
6. It’s simply not Easter without a bunny light. Bodie and Fou have this great one.
7. We are desperate to get a dog and convincing our landlord to let us have one is the plan for April! Image via Convoy.
8. I'm blown away by these screenprints on rusted metal. Some people are just so damn creative!
Colour stories // Coral and white
April 3, 2012
Coral is one of my favourite colours and paired with white it makes a stunning spring tablescape. I love the simplicity yet careful attention to detail used here, with the mis-match vintage china, old brass candlesticks and little sprigs in miniature glass bottles. Just lovely.
Friday favourites // 18
March 30, 2012
1. My ceramics obsession continues with these pretty salad plates. There's something quite 70s about them that I really like!
2. I’m useless at flower arranging and am considering taking a class or two to learn how to make beauties like this from Rebel Rebel.
3. Half-way cookies… no, I’ve not heard of them before either. Chewy cookie on the bottom, marshmallow-like meringue on top, and a rich layer of chocolate sandwiched in between – yes please! Via The Kitchn.
4. I used to be obsessed with flower fairies when I was little so was chuffed to see the whimsical prints are available to buy.
5. Ah, picnic weather! Hope the weather stays nice enough for one this week.The Glitter Guide.
6. I’m going to embrace Easter with these cute egg candles from Nordic House, just love 'em!
7. I need some summer T-Shirts and quite like this lovely one with beaded details from Wrap.
8. I grew up with a beautiful old cuckoo clock, this new one from UO isn't quite as lovely but still pretty cool.
Handmade herb labels
March 26, 2012
I finally got around to sewing some herb seeds yesterday. We seem to spend a fortune on fresh herbs so despite not being very green fingered I decided to give growing our own a go. Seeds were on offer so I ended up with coriander, parsley, tarragon, thyme, oregano, sage, chives, basil, as well as some rocket and purple sprouting broccoli. They’re now sitting happily in seed trays on the window ledge and the next job is to make some labels. I've found some great ideas…
Friday favourites // 17
March 23, 2012
1. There's heaps of loveliness in the new collection from Rowen and Wren, I especially like these cute linen sacks for bread.
2. I’m sure you’ll be as blown away as I am by the amazing life drawings of Norwich-based artist Ileana Hunter. Her nudes are particularly striking.
3. I’ve just made my favourite ginger cake for visiting friends this weekend. I’ve made it countless times, it's so simple, moist and delicious. Recipe from trusty Nigel Slater.
4. Hot pink and grey – one of my favourite colour combos. Found via here.
5. My friend and I spotted these super bargainous trousers in H&M at the weekend and both had to get a pair. So fun for spring with a breezy grey top. Everyone obviously thought the same as they've already sold out online!
6. I’m loving these resin trays from Door 77 – perfect alfresco drinks and snacks.
7. Some lovely ideas for the most simple yet chic cheese board from Sprouted Kitchen – a fabulous healthy wholefoods blog.
8. Firmly on my wish list are these French Sole python flats - the perfect shoe for spring.
Room envy // rustic industrial kitchen
March 22, 2012
Remember that dream rustic industrial kitchen I was talking about the other day? Well here it is. Open shelving + freestanding furniture + ceiling pan hanger + white tableware + chic coffee machine = perfection.
Source: Lyla and Blue
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Stylish practicality // mango wood boards
March 20, 2012
One of the great things about keeping a scrapbook and curating images on Pinterest is that you start to notice patterns in the styles you are frequently drawn to. Over time, I have realised that my dream kitchen will have a rustic feel with an industrial edge.
Wooden chopping boards and platters are simple way to add rustic style to your kitchen and dining table, and of course they are super useful too. I am drawn to mango wood over other types due to its many beautiful shades and sustainability – mango trees stop bearing fruit after a certain age, so they are felled and replaced in a continuous cycle.
Wooden boards are a fantastic way to serve pizza, cheese and antipasti - they look great in a tabelscape and I particularly love those with handles. I recently received a mini board from Hexham-based gift and interiors boutique Sorella (below and available in their online boutique soon), which I haven’t stopped using, and there are some great larger styles around too. My fave is the above with pizza from Cox and Cox.
Source: Ruby Rhino
Image source unknown
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Room envy // Why white works
March 19, 2012
I've been surprised to discover recently just how much white walls divide opinion. It seems for some they spell a light, airy space and blank canvas for detail, while for others they feel cold, sterile and boring. I'm firmly in the first camp and this lovely family home in the Netherlands demonstrates just how well a white palette can work to create a warm and cosy space.
The key is to remember that white comes in a variety of hues from warm to cool shades and the best white for your walls will depend on the direction of your home and the type of light it receives. North-facing homes that receive cool light may benefit from warm shades, with nuances of yellow or rose, for example, while south-facing rooms with warm light can be balanced with cooler hues with hints of blue or grey.
This beautiful home also shows how layering shades of white with difference textures such as sheepskins, knits, ceramics, paper and wood easily combat the risk of a clinical or one-dimensional space. It is a wonder how an all white home can be kept so pristine with two little scamps running around but for a space this calming and stylish, I reckon it is worth a try! And the surprise bit? There's heaps of stuff here from Ikea - via Ikea Family Live.
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Friday favourites // 16
March 16, 2012
1. I adore this vintage chandelier in an otherwise understated bathroom. Via Housetohome.co.uk.
2. I finally got around to framing my Cavallini & Co Papillons gift wrap this week. Just £3 at Rockett St George.
3. I’ve not had success with many veggie burger recipes but tempted to give this sweet potato version a go.
4. I'm loving the round boho-style sunglasses around this year - these gems are just £12 from ASOS.
5.Such a pretty little vignette, styled by Danish stylist Camilla Tange.
6. At just £199 the Bouji chair from Made.com is virtually impossible not to love. Stylish and super affordable? Yes please!
7. Love this simple outfit and bright bag. A lesson in chic perfection. Via Everything Fab.
8. In my quest for more staple meals, I picked up Diana Henry's Cook Simple. I adore her recipes in Stella and hear this book is fabulous.
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