A HINT OF WHITE

OPENING UP: HOW TO CREATE A MORE SPACIOUS FEEL IN YOUR HOME

24th October 2016

Ever get starry-eyed over homes that feel and look big and plush on the inside? With kids, clutter and maybe a smaller house than we would like, it’s easy to feel like the wall are closing in! However, there are ways to create a more spacious feel in your home and at the very least give the illusion of more space. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can think about opening up your home.

Swap Out The Windows

Switching out small windows for huge glass doors or larger windows can give the illusion of more space in your home. This work particularly well in kitchens and living/dining rooms that lead onto the back garden. If you don’t want windows, you could consider a whole wall of beautiful bi-folding doors. Bringing in lots of extra natural light will make your home feel larger and airier. As will showing off the back garden and bringing an element of the outside into your home.

Add Another Room

If space permits you may want to consider a home extension. This could be anything from extending your kitchen out through the garden or digging down into the basement. Popular extensions include garage and loft conversions, rear extensions and basement conversions. More than a decade ago conservatories were more popular than extensions, and it may be that your house already has one. If so, why not replace your conservatory roof with a solid tiled and insulated roof? This will give the illusion of another room in the house rather than a conservatory. And the insulation means you will be able to use this space all year round.Continue Reading

HALLWAY INSPIRATION – CURIOUS DECOR

19th October 2016

I thought I would do an update on our hallway. You may remember my plans of the tropical themed decor. I had gone for June Bug green on the walls and this exotic bird paper on the end wall both downstairs and upstairs. Unfortunately the green just didn’t work, I fell out of love with it by the time I got to put up the wallpaper. So decorating was halted, whilst I spent many nights on Pinterest and Instagram looking for inspiration.

I was finally hit with an idea after being invited to the opening of the new Homesense store in Bristol. They had a curiosity cabinet where you could win prizes. Then I recently went to watch Miss Pelegrine’s Home For Peculiar Children and I just knew what I wanted. A ‘curious decor’, a sort of eclectic mix of every thing I love, all the things I collect on my travels, at flea markets and charity shops. In a sense the hallway is the most used room, yet we spend the least amount of time in it, so I want to make it a special place that it will stop you in your tracks to admire the things you love.

The current flooring runs through the hall to the kitchen and dinning room, but it’s not the best quality, so I have decided on this gorgeous bamboo flooring just for the hallway. On the walls, I am going with just an aged white paint, and the end wall will still be paper, either this marble wallpaper or the monstera leaf pattern, which do you prefer? I know painting over that green is going to be a huge task, but I think it will be worth it.

I want to keep the lighting quite simple, so this Wayfair pendant light with an Edison bulb will create a warm glow in the evening. For now I have decided on not having a lamp, but I may decide to add a lamp to the landing, but more for the kids in the night.

I love this industrial looking 9 drawer unit, the numbers on the drawers will be a perfect to encourage the kids to store away their shoes and school stuff. Their normal routine consists of dumping their stuff on the floor.

I still plan on having the gallery wall up the stairs, I went for art prints with quotes and pictures of nature like this stunning dragonfly print by Desino. I hope to try and up-cycle the radiator covers to look more industrial and quirky, but still researching ideas for that then I can put some of my finds out on display.

Hopefully will show you the end result soon, as I want to make a start on Christmas decorations, 9 Mondays left! Not sure where this year has gone.

THE ULTIMATE ADDITIONS TO MAKE YOUR HOME COMFY AND COSY FOR AUTUMN

27th September 2016

Autumn is officially here. You only need to look out of the window or take a deep breath in the fresh air to know that cold weather and dark afternoons are on their way. At this time of year, it’s increasingly tempting to swap going out for staying in and snuggling up. If you’re eager to inject some comfy and cosy touches, here are the ultimate additions you need this autumn.

Rugs

In the summer, interior design is all about maximising natural light and creating clean, crisp lines. When autumn arrives, scattering rugs on your floors is a really simple way to add warmth. You can also use rugs to carry a theme or create a new colourway. Patterned rugs are very popular at the moment, with zigzags and chevrons taking over from last year’s plaid trend. These items work well in hallways and living rooms. For the bedroom, go for an indulgent faux fur rug to keep those toes toasty on a chilly night.

Throws and blankets

If you look through any interior magazine, you’ll notice that sofas and chairs are always adorned with cushions and throws. Drape throws over the back and the arms to add texture and colour and create a cosy ambience. Don’t worry about folding your throws perfectly. The lived-in look is perfect for making your home look more welcoming and appealing on a miserable October day. You can also layer blankets and throws on your beds. They’ll look great, and they also offer extra layers if you get cold during the night.

Shutters

You probably associate shutters with sun-drenched Mediterranean countries. But they can also be a fantastic addition to any home in the UK. Shutters look beautiful on the exterior of the home, but they also make a style statement indoors. If you invest in quality window shutters, they will also help to keep the cold out and block out light and noise. In the cooler months, hardwood works well, especially if you have wooden floors.

A wood burner

Do you have an open fireplace or space to create a focal point in your living room? If you’ve got a fireplace you’re not keen on, or you want to add one, a wood burner is an excellent option. The fire will keep you warm in the wintry weather, and it will add rustic charm to the room. This is a great choice for a country cottage, but it can also work well in a modern home. You can buy coloured stoves or monochrome styles that will match contemporary decor perfectly.

Candles

Candles are an easy and affordable way to add atmosphere to your home when it’s pitch black and blowing a gale outside. Place your candles in indoor lanterns by the fireplace or old-fashioned Kilner jars in the kitchen.

The mercury is falling, and it’s time to start prepping your home for those wet and windy days. If you’re looking for inspiration to make your home comfy and cosy this autumn, try adding these key pieces. Scatter soft furnishings over beds, sofas, and chairs. Invest in some shutters, and use a wood burner to heat the house up and create a style statement. Cuddle up on the sofa with a blanket, light some candles, and put your feet up.

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