When my mind wanders with day dreams of the Ruby Rhino store we hope to have one day, I frequently switch between a busy and eclectic bohemian vibe, and a completely pared back chic and minimal style.

Both the Berlin clothing boutique and home of fashion designer Esther Perbandt give a good case for simple and modest design. The white backdrop lets the products shine, while further interest and personality is injected through details like the mis-matched reclaimed wood partition and mug shots on the wall.

I love the idea of mixing these two styles and often have to remind myself that less is more when it comes to achieving simple chic style at home or in fashion.

Two Coco Chanel quotes come to mind, I think something along the lines of “When accessorising, always take off the last thing you put on” and "A woman can be over dressed but never over elegant." Wise words from the style icon I think worth bearing in mind for home and wardrobe.

All images: Freunde von Freunden

I have developed a real crush on linen recently. In a similar way to my love for enamelware, linen is beautiful, useful and long-lasting – basically all the elements you want from something that will become part of your home and passed through the generations. Maybe I sound like an old romantic but wouldn't you want to sink into these deliciously soft sheets and imagine you are eating breakfast in a lovely french chateau? We've got some great PR shots from The Linen Works here, but I think linen really does create the feel of rustic elegance that so many of us covet.

The Linen Works

Toast

Of course, as with all the loveliest materials, it isn’t cheap. I adore the bedding from The Linen Works and Toast – two places I’d be stocking up from regularly if I had the budget – but luckily there’s a bargain source around too. H&M! I wasn't too keen on the baby blue and sugary pink, so I opted for white and am eagerly awaiting delivery of the double duvet set next week.

H&M

I'm a bit of a commitment phobe when it comes to wallpaper. There's so many great designs around that I find it impossible to make a decision for fear I'll change my mind after a month or so. That's why our walls remain white for now but when I envisage about our Ruby Rhino shop, I see a striking wallpapered wall. Something pretty out there that I wouldn't be brave enough to have at home: something like these unique designs from Barneby Gates.

I'm really excited that New York-based fashion brand J. Crew's UK site opens at the end of the month, and just a bit gutted I won't be able to get any purchases in before I go on holiday!

J. Crew is headed up by the talented Jenna Lyons. You may have already seen her stunning Brooklyn home - I'd seen the odd room shot here and there, but it was in the September issue of Vogue that I got to see it in all its glory and discover more about Jenna's cool and creative style. I love the stylish simplicity, thoughtful details (a red house number set into the door steps) and general feel of casual elegance. And that bathroom? Well, just wow.

Images from Living Etc and Elle Decor.

OK, I admit it - I have an obsession with open shelves, and open shelves in a white kitchen full of lovely reclaimed wood? Well, I just completely adore this look. It is the simplicity that I love, how the reclaimed wood gives such understated and timeless style, which can be personlised with treasured ceramics, favourite kitchen tools and fresh flowers. Do you find yourself drawn to this look too?

Source

Source

Source

Morning friends. So with summer around the corner (hopefully this isn't it!) I know I should be drawn to airy spaces and beautiful beachy style interiors, but I keep getting drawn to dark walls again and again. Black, inky blue or charcoal grey walls seem to add instant atmopshere, and although they are a bold decorating move, especially for white lovers like me, I think it's definitely something I'd like to try.

I absolutely love the charcoal walls in this bathroom from a Sneak Peak on Design*Sponge - it feels really unexpected but looks so fresh and stylish against the crisp white. I'd add a bright hand towel in fushia or lime, a typography print to the wall - and I think this could just be my dream bathroom.

Could you live with dark walls?

Source

Source

Source

Morning friends, hope you had a great weekend whatever you got up to. I've been in London for a few days, catching up with friends and celebrating a hen party at Wireless festival - fun times! So I'm starting the week a little tired today, but what better way to perk up in the morning than sip coffee in a fushia pink kitchen? I just love it and the super vivid shade works for me because the paint finish is uneven, and paring with white and rustic wood gives a stylish relaxed feel that I always strive to achieve. Great lampshde, sheepskins and plate rack too. Could you live with this colour in the kitchen?

Design Attractor

I love the idea of afternoon tea or any excuse for cake really, and although I'm quite fond of the cutesy floral and 'granny chic' tea party theme, it's kind of been overdone. So here's my more contemporary take on a summer table setting with clashing brights and vintage style vessels, perfect for sipping Pimms and devouring cupcakes in the sun.

1. Museum coasters; 2. Lemon meringue cupcakes; 3. Radiance cutlery; 4. Silver plated beaker; 5. Geométrico paper napkins; 6. Helianthus goblet;  7. Raspberry tea towel; 8. Nigella cakestand / cheese dome.

What a dreamy setting. There's nowhere else I'd rather be right now than sitting in a sunny woodland sipping tea and eating treats in the shade. Bliss.

You've probably figured out by now that I'm a tad obsessed with interior styling. At school when I was torn between studying journalism or interior design at university, I never even knew interior styling was an job option! Now I love to do it at home, for friends and of course, for Ruby Rhino, and some day hope to get full-time assisting work and eventually go it alone.

Styling for magazines and creative clients would be a dream, so I was thrilled when super talented and lovely stylist Victoria Fitchett agreed to answer some questions about her inspirations and how she broke into this tricky field. Read on to find out more about styling and coo over Victoria's stunning work. Thanks for sharing Victoria!

1. What drew you to styling and how did get started?

I've always been interested in objects, art and interiors and arranging it all together.  I started out as a runner in the art departments of TV production companies through dressing sets and buying props, before moving into the more photographic side later on.

I started off doing an internship at Elle Decoration magazine, which was great, and went on to assist stylists on a freelance basis, whilst doing lots of test shoots to get a portfolio together. I am now represented by an agent and pretty busy, so I feel very fortunate. Two of my brothers are photographers, along with my husband, so I guess it was meant to be.

2. What does the life of a stylist involve and how do you approach each brief?

Being adaptable is pretty important. Every brief is different, from a day or two in a studio, to a couple of weeks in a location house.  Generally the client has an idea of what they want and give you an outline of their ideas. They might send you a mood board to set the scene, or arrange a meeting to chat about it further.  

I then generally trawl through books and other images to get inspiration and then start the task of sourcing props, be it furniture, accessories, wallpaper or fabrics.  The fun bit is on set, when you see it all come together and of course when you see it in the magazine or book.  

3. Where do you find inspiration for your projects, and are they any fellow stylists whose work you admire?

Inspiration comes from everywhere. It really is amazing how the smallest thing from nowhere can set your mind racing. Books and magazines are obvious places to inspire, but also traveling, the countryside, shops and everyday sights around the streets of London are a constant source of ideas.  

I was fortunate enough to assist the stylist Faye Toogood full time after my placement at Elle Decoration. She is one of the most amazing stylists I know and hugely inspiring - she constantly manages to raise the bar.

4. Talk us through your favourite job to date, and what would be your dream styling commission?

Oh, that's a hard one! I've just completed styling a book with the most brilliant team of people. It was quite a long project and just every day was full of laughs, as well as working very hard of course! I am a huge fan of the shops Anthropologie and Toast, so it would be an absolute dream to be involved with any of their projects.    

5. Your own home must be beautiful with your eye for detail and the lovely interior ideas you come across, what is your house like and how would you describe your personal style?

It's hard not to get a lot of house envy in this job. You are constantly surrounded by beautiful homes and interiors, and see so much tha you can sometimes start to question your own style. My husband and I are still living in a flat, and because both of our jobs involving so much kit, space is often a bit of an issue.

I'd definitely describe my style as eclectic. I love old things, but love livening it up with modern pieces, as well as fun blocks of colour, but all in quite muted subtle tones, with little bits of pattern. I'm definitely a 'blue' girl, so there is a lot of that around the flat.