Wednesday Wishlist

Some things around the high-street which have got my debit card twitching this week...

1. Brass, black and grey chandelier, £99 from Made.com
2. Silhouette vase, £9.50 from Marks and Spencer
3. Herman lounge chair, £485 from Ferm living
4. Cashmere throw, £209 at Urbanara
5. Marble cheese knife set, just because! It's Christmas soon right!? £25 at House of Fraser
6. NEOM candle currently being sold half price at TK Maxx for just £14.99

H x

Look of the Week: Styling a teal sofa

Today’s Look of the Week is inspired by a new retailer I have just discovered which makes me want to buy about 10 new sofas and armchairs (ahem, not exactly practical in a pokey London terrace). They are The Lounge Company and create lovely pieces in a ridiculous selection of fabrics, colours shapes and sizes. Basically, if like me, you have a very clear idea of what you want in a sofa but haven’t found it yet, chances are these guys have something for you. Each of the 24 piece range is handmade in Britain so you know the quality is right up there.

As you know, I have been a slight colourphobe in the past (I blame those monochrome Scandinavian schemes which dominate my Pinterest feed) but I have been trying really hard to branch out. The Summer helps and my visit to Mexico recently completely inspired me (more about that here) so I am trying to inject some more colour at home and in my wardrobe (we’ll ignore the fact I’m wearing black and grey as I type).

Therefore, this week’s Look is all about adding a pop of colour at home. As much as I love my grey sofas, I do occasionally wish I had gone for a bright colour to add a bit of drama to the room. I had thought that choosing a coloured sofa would lock me into a scheme which wouldn’t be easily changed (sofas are an investment after all and last years). But the jewel coloured options out there are fresh and modern whilst also kinda traditional, and the fun really stars when you experiment with accent colours. Accent colours are where it is at and mean that you can switch up your scheme easily and relatively cheaply whilst your beautiful sofa sits proud. I hate wanky design terms but maybe jewel-coloured sofas could actually be a ‘new-neutral’.

This Poppy sofa is one of my favourites from The Lounge Company’s collection comes in the most amazing teal colour as shown here. The pink and lime accents work perfectly but here are a few of styling options which I had a play around with which could also work…

Clockwise from top right...

Scheme 1:

Rug – John Lewis

Lamp – House of Hackney

Tables – Swoon Editions

Chair – ‘Noah’ from The Lounge Company

Scheme 2:

Foot stool – Harrison from The Lounge Company

Throw – Ferm Living

Drinks cabinet – Swoon Editions

Lighting – Etsy

Cushion – Orla Keily

Scheme 3:

Armchair – ‘Jacob’ from The Lounge Company

Sheepskin – Ikea

Lamp – Holly’s House

Brass magazine rack – John Lewis

Cushions – H&M Home

Scheme 4:

Lamp – Ikea

Rug – Ikea

Wallpaper – House of Hackney

Cushion – H&M Home

Yucca – Homebase

Mirrors – La Redoute 

What do you think? Any favourites? I love playing around with moodboards like this, especially ahead of a big purchase like a sofa. At The Lounge Company’s website there are loads of interactive tools to help you make a decision and there are also 21 stores across the country – it’s always good to have a jump and lounge moment on a sofa in real life if you can, but then you can buy online easily and with no fuss. Best of both worlds!

Hx

This post was done in collaboration with The Lounge Company but as always, all views and opinions are my own.

Muji's new Covent Garden store

I am a HUGE fan of Muji - the nifty storage solutions, simple Japanese design and accessories you didn't even realise you needed in your life (ceramic toothbrush stand anyone?!) are so so tempting. Today they re-launched their original London store in Covent Garden. The new layout is gorgeous and they seem to have so many new products to explore.

 

To celebrate the launch, they are offering 25% off certain ranges for 25 days so if you can head down to Covent Garden, hop to it. I love the white plastic dispensers which I put all my shampoo, shower gel and face wash in so  that the shower isn't cluttered with lots of different packaging and colours (pretty anal right!?). The scented candles are all natural and smell wonderful, not to mention their range of clean, slick kitchen accessories including beautifully tactile wooden bowls, white crockery and muslin dishcloths. Jersey bed linen, classic natural stationery and cotton pyjamas are also high on my wish list.

Here are some snaps from the new store - get down there pronto

H x

Ceramic toothbrush stands and holders - who doesn't need one of these?!

 

Beautiful home storage solutions and accessories

 

25% off lots in the range

Pyjamas and cotton vests and pants available in beautiful tonal colours

SO MANY solutions for toiletries and travelling

Lovely acacia wood accessories for your home and cute table fans for the heat wave 

A new range of skin care and home cleaning products which all smell divine

Love these for organising my bathroom cupboards and keeping all of my make-up ship shape

 

What are you waiting for y'all.

 

 

Blomma's Best: Berber Rugs

Berber rugs are all over the place right now. Super shaggy, soft and delicious underfoot, they make a wonderful statement, adding a touch of the luxurious world traveller vibe to your home. Whether you are looking for adding some bohemian charm to a neutral bedroom, or a pop of colour to a tired bedroom, a Berber rug could be the perfect addition. I already have three in my house so my love is getting slightly out of hand, particularly when so many great high-street options keep cropping up.

To help wade through the wonderful world of the Berber, here are my picks for the best out there right now...

1. This unique, one of a kind rug is currently being sold at Urban Outfitters for £790. It is handmade in 100% wool and measures 9x5ft so is a really decent size. I love the colours which would make an amazing statement in any room, especially if you are going for that bohemian Californian vibe which, I mean, why wouldn't you
2. This Berber style rug is great value and from a brand which is really upping it's home accessories at the moment; La Redoute. Prizes start at £59 but the biggest is still under £200 so really quite reasonable. It isn't wool, but it is stain resistant because of that which means it is going to be hardy in a high traffic area
3. This colourful number is from West Elm who do have a great selection of rugs available. They are a it more pricey than some of the other high-street options but the quality is great and they often have sales/offers on so its worth keeping an eye on the website. This one is £499 and is fairly small. It is 100% wool though and the colours are just beautiful.
4. One of my favourite small retailers who is bringing amazingly designed, great quality rugs over from Morocco; Ella Jones from The Rug Trade. All ethically sourced and handmade by true craftsmen. This is my favourite at the minute - that pink colour against the black. wow. This one is £390 so really quite competitive when you compare against the high-street and you are really getting something very special and unique.
5. Finally, if you are looking for rug which brings a touch of colour, but which isn't quite as shouty as the super colourful options out there, then this is a real winner. It is from independent rug retailer the Rug Merchant. It's a really affordable option as it isn't wool, with prices starting at £134.

Tempted? I literally want them all.

H x

Wall art: Instagram favourites and where to buy them

If like me, you obsessively follow some of the amazing bloggers and interiors designers capturing their homes on Instagram, you will know that quite often a few of the same home accessories crop up again and again. When you follow a whole bunch, you can start to spot trends and themes and art work is one area where this is certainly true.

If, like me, you often spot incredible picture walls or beautifully curated art collections on Instagram but aren’t sure where to find them, fear no.  I have done all the hard work for you so here are some of the art prints and wall hangings I am crushing on right now… You. Are. Welcome.

This Completely Devoted print is from Soo-UK and is priced between £35-£55 depending on the size you buy. It us unframed but looks great in almost any setting.

The 'Eloise' print is one I have spotted in many an Instagram pic. I can understand why as it is totally feel good and has amazing energy. You can pick this print up from Rocket St George for £45

 The fluffy feather wall hangings... these pop up all over the place and I think they can be a great tool to add interest to a collection of art when you don't just want prints. These are from Holly's House and come in a range of colours priced at £19

So it's probably a little early to think about buying your 2017 wall calender but the Stendig versions are so much more than a way of planning your diary. This is wall art and no Scandi scheme would be complete without one. They usually sell-out so plan ahead and get in there early. Try Twenty Twenty One for yours and expect to pay from £46

One of my favourites, these art prints by Tom Pigeon are the perfect collection to perk up an empty wall. The colours, crisp lines and interesting movement in these are very appealing and would sit perfectly in my lounge... hmm *checks bank balance*. At £60 each without the frame, getting the trio is somewhat of an investment but if you have the right spot for them, it will be a truly striking feature. Try Trouva for sellers of Tom's work.

The Sky Circles print is a firm favourite across the interiors set and you often see it crop up in inspirational room styling. It is beautiful but will set you back £180 from Holly's House

Finally the knitted words which seem to pop up all over my feed. You can custom order specific names, words and phrases or you can check out the collection here on the SeventySeven84 website.

So they you have it. Adding some trend-led art can really pep up a scheme but don't forget to mix them up with pieces that you have collected over the years for a gallery or curation of items which are really personal to you and your family.

H x

Award nominee - Best Design Inspiration Blog

A little plea this morning... this year I have been nominated for Best Design Inspiration blog at the Amara Blog Awards 2016.

NO idea who nominated me but whoever you are thank you! It's very exciting and also incredibly humbling (hate that phrase but its true) as I am tipped against some of my genuine favourite bloggers. People like Erica Davis from The Edited, Emma Harris of A Quiet Style and Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About the House are part of the reason I gave this blogging lark a go.

Up against these super women warriors of the inspiration blog world, I have absolutely no chance of winning but if you do have a spare couple of seconds, it would be great to have a few votes if only to save face!

Visit the site here to vote for me directly, or take a look at the amazing other nominees to discover some new blogs to add to your reading list.

Love you forever

H x