Blue is the colour...

This week I'm looking at the new range of fabrics, wallpapers and accessories from Designers Guild.  I've chosen blue for a change; a colour I didn't used to really like decorating with but I'm now really warming towards it.  I've always found Designers Guild to be quite contemporary in their use of colours and fabrics but their new ranges vere more towards the country feel that I favour.  I love how they've used multiple fabrics on one piece of upholstery.  This is something I've admired for years which William Yeoward always does with his furniture.  A good way of using up all your short lengths of upholstery fabric and very now.  I would love your feedback so let me know what you think!

It's all about Armoires

Armoires are not only beautiful to look at, they can house an amazing amount of stuff; brilliant storage.  You can buy new Armoires or an old piece and have the fun of 'doing it up' yourself.  Many years ago I opted for the buy the new one option and purchased one from Laura Ashley.  It's had many uses; starting off as my daughters wardrobe, housing bedlinen, moving to London and being kept in the entrance hall as it was too big to get it upstairs of our town house, to finally being back in Scotland and used to now house china in the dining room.  I would imagine I will have it forever.  You can really put them anywhere you can find a space for them.  I stayed in a hotel just outside Leeds once and they had a fab one in the bathroom.  They are such versatile pieces of furniture and can be adapted to suit your storage needs.  I really love the one which houses a 'bar'.  Hmmm I wonder if I could fit mine in the living room and turn it into a bar!!

Crochet

Crochet has been around for hundreds of years.  It waned in popularity a number of years ago, but I'm absolutely delighted it has made a resurgence in recent years.  It's one of the most easy and convenient things to do and very therapeutic.  All you need is a hook and a ball of wool/yarn.  Slip it in your bag and do it on the tube, train, almost anywhere really.  You can leave it and go back to it any time you like; there is only ever one stitch to work with so you really can't go wrong.  Hooks range in size from thin needle like hooks to chunky huge hooks.  Thin hooks are used with thread type yarn and large hooks can be used with chunky wool or even string or cotton.  Check out the images below of what people are creating with a hook and some yarn!

Decorating with mirrors

Mirrors can add a truly decorative element to any room or space.  Be it modern or vintage, alone or in groups.  They not only reflect what is happening around us, they visually enhance the space, even lending a touch of beauty.

There is nothing more striking than duplicating mirrors; this is where you use two mirrors opposite each other for a sort of 'infinity' effect.

Another good idea is yo use all different types of framed or unframed mirrors on one wall for a gallery look.  There are some new products on the market; self adhesive mirrors in the shape of frames or old-fashioned hair brushes.  We have ordered these for the shop and they should be with us within a couple of weeks.  We also have a large mirror order arriving next week which includes French inspired mirrors, Venetian mirrors and simple wood frame ones as well.

Check out my inspirational shots!

Summer Houses!

Ok, so it's not even close to being Summer, but as ever I'm an optimist!  No seriously the Spring weather has inspired me think about the possibility of Summer.  Every year I say to my husband, and I quote, "I'm getting a Summer house this year".  I've been saying this for the last nine years!  I so want one, so I think this finally may be the year to do it.  I don't even know if I would use it but I would decorate it beautifully and it would be fabulous to look at.  It will probably be used to store garden paraphernalia, buy hey ho it will look nice.  Check out my inspirations below, and I promise if I get one I'll post the pics for all to see.  Watch this space...