Reasons To Love // Linen Bed Linen

Gorgeous Bedlinen from MagicLinen on Etsy

Linen bed linen feels like such a luxury, but actually it is something that should be in everyone’s linen cupboard, especially at this time of year. When it is so warm inside and out you need something on your skin that will ensure you feel cool, although linen is slightly thicker then cotton, but is breathable so feels cool all year round. Other reasons to love linen are;

Linen absorbs moisture but doesn’t feel damp on your skin

Linen is bacteria resistant so known to be anti-allergy

It gets better with age! I.e. softer the more it’s washed

Linen is a breathable fabric, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer

But of course it needs to be taken care of a little differently than cotton bed linens, so here are a couple of top tips for looking after your linen bedlinen.

1. Make sure you are not washing your linen any higher then 40. This is because as the water gets hotter this can break down the fabric.
2. It should be washed on a gentle cycle, because this protects the fibres within the fabric.

3. Ensure you are using a mild detergent recommended for delicate fabrics (Also with no brightening agents). And where possible, use natural detergents
4. You do not need to add fabric softener into the wash. Part of the nature of a linen fabric is that it softens overtime anyway so is an unnecessary step.
5. Linen does not need to be ironed!! It has that natural look to it,
Little Tip – Put your linen in dryer for 10 mins, then finish naturally. This will ensure it keeps the fabric soft. But don’t over dry, this can easily be done as linen drys quicker than cotton
Buying Tip - Linen isn’t talked about in thread counts, as the fibres are thicker there are less of them, so would have a low thread count. You use weight instead, and the heavier the better.

Have you ever had linen bed linen at home?

Removable Wallpaper

The thought of wallpapering brings me up in hives. I remember redecorating my bedroom in my teens, and it took my Mum and I (mainly my Mum), three days. Lots of redoing and a lot of mess. And of course even worse then putting up the wallpaper, is removing it. Hours and hours slaving with a wallpaper steamer and a tiny scraper *shudders*.

NuWallpaper Maui Green Self Adhesive Wallpaper

Now the wonderful folks at Dunelm have launched a huge line of removable wallpapers! The range is called 'NuWallpaper', and has 97 designs (81 wallpapers, 8 wall tiles and 8 floor tiles) of peel and stick/self adhesive papers. They are peeled off of their backing papers and literally just stuck onto the walls, smoothing out any bubbles as you go, taking out all the messiness of traditional papering!

Removable wallpapers are fantastic for when you are renting and cannot paint the walls. Or if you can paint then you have to repaint before you move out! We were in our first flat for three years and would have loved to cover some of our walls with these! Even if you don't have to worry about landlords, they are great if you are a commitment-phobe, as you can have the bright colours, or patterns without the permanence.

Clouds Grey // Zig Zag Taupe // Salvaged Wood // Loft White Brick

These paper can easily be repositioned, and removed, which is amazing! And they don't have to just be used for walls. They can be used for many other projects, such as; adding to the front of drawers, behind shelves in a bookcase, on doors, on stairs, on storage boxes, inside drawers, and the list goes on ...

Chalkboard // Dry Erase

They also have these two designs which just blow my mind. A self adhesive chalkboard paper, and a self adhesive dry wipe paper. Imagine these, as they have been used above, in an office, in a kitchen, or even in a hallway so you don't forget your lunch or for children to enjoy in a playroom! (If we weren't planning on moving, I buy so many rolls of these!)

Although. it can still be as tough to put up as normal paper. One of the main difficulties with wallpaper is lining it up straight, and subsequently lining the following strips up correctly. This is still an issue with removable paper, but there is certainly less mess as there is no need for any wallpaper paste.

Prices for each design range from £18-£27 per roll. Each one has slightly different lengths and widths depending on the design, so you will have to double check sizes before orders. The 'wall tiles' and 'floor tiles' come in actual tiles rather than lengths too. And they can all be wiped down with a damp cloth, which is fab!

You will still have to figure out the confusing wallpaper repeats if your are using some of the patterns. Amara has an amazing wallpaper calculator which I have linked here.

Have you ever tried removable wallpaper?

6 of the Best // Plant Pots

Plant pots (and plants) are something that you don't realise until you have them, can add such drama and impact into a room! The greenery adds life, and the pot itself, if you choose the right one, can add some personality to any room. I've listed a couple of my favourite below, and I'm not going to lie, they were so difficult to narrow down. So if you click on the link then make sure you have a hunt around the websites too as there are some real gems!

So, where do you think I looked first?! ... West Elm of course! They have some absolutly gorgeous ones, there's obviously the interior lovers' dream that you've probably seen all over Instagram, the Mid Century Turned Leg Planter and they also have some other lovely unusual planters. But my favourite on there is the Ceramic Llama Planter; £39 for the small and £149 for the large.

I think this is the cutest Planter! It adds personality but isn't too crazy or out there, as the planter is white it can blend seamlessly into any interior.

Onto the next one ... of course the next place I looked was Anthropologie. They have the most beautiful products all at different price points and this one is no different! This Ridged Terracotta Pot start from £10 and is absolutely gorgeous!

I am loving a splash of pink in interiors at the moment ... and this is totally fuelling that! It comes in three different sizes, all in a gorgeous pink, this could easily fit any room, or any style. I think one of each size will be added to my shopping basket!!

A recent discovery for me in small home accessories is Red Candy and whilst browsing I fell in love with this wall mounted planter. The Umbra Cubist Shelf is only £30 and made from powder coated metal, the cute planter itself is made from beech wood (and don't worry, has a plastic liner!)

With a little storage shelf as well, what more can you ask for? Imagine it in your hallway as you walk in to, or out of your house storing your keys and some change. Or in your kitchen, maybe with some spices? Oh the possibilities!!

Next is this lovely little Geometric Concrete Plant Pot from Bells and Whistles Make on Etsy. It is gorgeous, especially in the stunning navy colour. There are quite a few six and colour options available, including a beautiful Aqua, a crisp white and a Forest Green. 

How adorable would a couple of these be with some little succulents on a floating shelf. really simple but I think really gorgeous! At £14.50 and all handmade, I think I might have to purchase them all ...

Next, I found a lovely dupe for the West Elm planter is this Next Cement Planter, but in cement. This comes in a couple of sizes, and only £55! Perfect for a gorgeous Fiddle Leaf Fig or an Areca Palm.

I find the shape pf the planter, and the clean lines of the legs so pleasing! The grey cement is a gorgeous change from the usual white colour of the planter.

And finally, continuing on with the cement theme, is this cute Copper and Cement Footed Planter from Maisons Du Monde. Sitting at 27cm high, it is a bargain at only £21.59. Would look gorgeous with a lovely trailing Ivy or a String of Pearls on top of a bookcase ... can't wait for mine to arrive!!

I hope you found something here you like? What plants do you like around the home?

Lounge // Spring Update

Spring Styled Room from Etsy

So it was the first official day of Spring on Tuesday! Yes that's right, we are two days into Spring. And as usual, no one has told the weather. But even if the weather doesn't want to play ball, lets just pretend it's getting sunny outside, and on the plus side, at least it's lighter in the evenings!

So here are five super quick ways to bring Spring inside, and to pretend that it's sunny and warm. So throw open your windows, pretend there's a little family of birds just outside and follow a couple of points from below to welcome Spring.

Gorgeous lounge from Decorenvy

1. Plants

The quickest, easiest and simplest way to brighten up your lounge is to add in some greenery! Pop to your local garden centre for the afternoon, and take your Mum or your Nan. Spending some time with your loved one, getting some tea and cake and then shopping for some plants seems like the perfect afternoon to me. One larger plant to sit next to your sofa, and one or two smaller to chill on a table or two is the perfect addition to any room, not just your lounge.

Floral Coffee Table by Alex Dagmar

2. Flowers

In the same way that plants add in a gorgeous bit of greenery into your life, flowers do too! But they also bring some colour, and a gorgeous smell too. Grab a bunch of tulips (Ranunculus, Roses and Sunflowers are also all in season at the moment) from a local farmers market, pop them in a beautiful vase and you're done! (Side note: it also makes you look super grown up and like you've got your life together).

Prints from eBay (£2.59 each!)

3. Art Work

Artwork is an amazing way to update your lounge. Swap out a few prints around your home at the beginning of the season, or add a couple more to your walls can completely update your room and give it a totally different feel. Jump onto Etsy or even eBay, have a browse around and buy a couple of brighter, lighter coloured prints. Something with a leaf motif, with lots of pastel colours or maybe a water scene. If you don't have a frame then maybe a bit of washi tape on each corner of the print, or a couple of bulldog clips tacked into the wall. It will change it in no time!

Beautiful Minimal House from Cate St Hill

4. Soft Furnishings

It is the perfect time of year to update some of your cushions, to generally lighten things up. Swap out heavier wool, velvet or silk covers with some lighter fabric like linen or a printed or tumbled cotton. You could even go as far as to swap out your curtains! Personally I love a super light 100% linen all year round, as I love having the sunlight. If you have a heavier weight fabric, or blackout curtains then changing these over for a lightweight fabric really changes the whole feel of the room when you walk into it first thing.

Gorgeous Shelfie from Kate La Vie

5. Add Colour

A simple way to bring in Spring is with colour, traditionally more pastel colours, but yellows, pinks, greens and oranges are all super Spring like. This takes a little more time and effort, as you will go on a little colour treasure hunt. Buying bits and bobs for your lounge like vases, coaster, books or candles are a really easy way to add in the colour. Some of my favourite places for these kind of ornaments are H&M Home, Anthropologie and Oliver Bonas. Even some sueprmarket home department or eBay have some great pieces too.

How do you like to bring Spring inside your home?

Top Five Autumn Candles

My second favourite thing about Autumn (after cosy snugly jumpers) is candles and nothing says Autumn more than a good candle! There’s something about them that makes me feel cosy and like I’ve got this adulting stuff down (I don’t, it’s the candle that’s tricking you!). Here are some of my favourites to start the season off right ... 

Anthropologie - Pumpkin (Capri Iridescent Jar Candle) - From £12

What could be better in Autumn then a pumpkin scented candle?! With notes of Buttery Pumpkin, Orange, Cinnamon, Clove and Brown Sugar, it makes your room smell like you’ve got your shit together and you’re baking a pumpkin bread on a rainy a Sunday because you happened to have all the ingredients. When really you’ve just about managed to light the candle whilst catching up the GBBO final!

Jo Malone - Peony and Blush Suede - From £45

More of a subtle Autumnal scent, this infamous Jo Malone scent has a main note of juicy apple, blended with Jasmine, Rose and Gillyflower. There is something so warming about the lighter suede scent, lightened with the floral scent of the peony, this is definitely one for a chilled weekday evening in, whilst you unwind with a bubble bath.

Molten Brown - Coco and Sandalwood - From £39

If you like something a bit more ‘masculine’ then this candle from Molten Brown is the one for you. With Coconut and Sandalwood, but also notes of cinnamon, cedarwood and vetiver. It is a heavier scent, one that when air smell it, it reminds me of my Grandads library, with its handcrafted wooden shelves, and the leather bound books. It is incredible warming and one to curl up and read a book to under a gorgeous tartan blanket.

Oliver Bonas - Pink Pepper and Gingerwood - From £20

This candle is something a bit different, and a bit unusual. It is a lot sharper, and lighter then the other scents, which is down to the Bergomot which gives it it’s sharp undertone. With other spicy, and woody notes make this one perfect for in the kitchen.

The White Company - Autumn - From £20

This fragrance couldn’t be named any better, and this is my personal absolute favourite! The smell of this candle makes me just so happy! The combination of the fruit, pear, quince and apricot, with the heavier notes of musk and Amber, it is exactly what to think Autumn would smell like. I have the diffuser in my hall, and the candle in the lounge, and it is such a gorgeous scent to walk in to!

What are your favourite Autumnal candles?

6 of the best // Bedside Tables

Beautifully styled bedside table from stylecurator

Bedside tables can really make the room, they frame the bed and can add some well needed storage. I have been on a hunt lately for some for our bedroom and it's harder than you think! I want them to be white, maybe with a hint of light oak, and because we live in a small flat they have specific measurements. Whilst I have not found my perfect ones yet, on my search I have come across some beautiful ones and thought I would share 6 of my favourites ...

Of course West Elm was the first place I looked. They have some stunning Mid Century looking pieces (which happens to be my favourite style!), it was tough to narrow down my favourite one which I think is this Reclaimed Wood and Lacquer Bedside Table: £299.00

I love the mix of the rough, reclaimed wood with the smooth lacquer. The practicality of one drawer to hide personal items from visitors and an open space for you current books, or magazines is just perfect. If it was slightly narrower this would be by my bed as we speak. To top this off with brass legs and a handle ... ok, I'm stopping now. West Elm have amazing service, you can view everything in their Tottenham Court Road store (which is insane, and definitely worth a visit) and delivery is super quick!

On to the next ... this one is from a brand which I have recently discovered through my bedside table hunt and all of their furniture is amazing, and at such affordable prices. This is the Trocadero Bedside Table from Maisons Du Monde: £169.90

Made from solid mango wood, and inspired by vintage 60s furniture, I love the wooden surround on the top to stop things falling off (I have done this too many times!). This gorgeous bedside table just screams elegance.

Another wonderfully elegant and minimal bedside table is the Latymer Bedside Table from Made: £129.00

I love how minimal this one is, with the mixture of white and wood and the highlight of the black legs and handles. Delivery from Made is super quick, but they can have varied lead times. So just check them when you order so you're aware.

Ok so, probably my favourite of them all, when I found this Giogio White and Copper Bedside Table from Graham and Green: £295.00, I immediately fell in love!

It has everything any one would want in a bedside table. Copper for one, which is still a huge trend in 2016 against the white wash on the rest of the bedside table. I don't think I need to say anything else! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Not as well know for their furniture, I found the beautiful Edith Side Table from notonthehighstreet: £275.00

It's super simple, and minimal. I really like the 'O' shape of the top, and the long elegant legs. It's a nice shape and also extremely versatile.

Lastly is the Randall Bedside Table from Swoon Editions: £129.00

It's a bit of a mix of everything I like from the other bedside tables. The white, with the oak, the edge on the top. Just missing a cubby hole and some copper and it would be perfect!

I hope you've found something you like here!

What does your bedside table look like?

Colour Crush // Spring into Spring

Spring is officially only 2days away, and Easter only a week! I am so looking forward to longer and brighter days, with the smell of freshly cut grass and the general sense of everything feeling happier! So above are a few inspirational pastel Spring like images from my Colour Crush Pinterest Board to get us all in the Spring mood!

Enjoy ...

Interiors Trend // 3D Wall Coverings

I was browsing Graham & Brown's website the other day for some wallpaper for a project I am working on at home when I came across two wallpapers from Kelly Hoppen and Dynamo. Yes you heard that right ... Kelly Hoppen and Dynamo! The results from this collaboration are beautiful and so unusual, check them out ...

Enigma

Enigma

Currently the collection from this pairing brings us two designs. Enigma; giving the impression of protruding pillars from the wall, and Paradox; which replicates angled stone jutting out from the wall. Both murals are digitally printed, and each measuring 2.5m x 4m. Adding these into your home, or any home will create the illusion of more space within the home, they have been designed purely to create these illusions within the space.

Paradox

Paradox

"When Dynamo and I initially met and started discussing the idea of an illusion wallpaper, I had no idea how fascinating it would be to work on such a different project! Having been in the design industry for 40 years, there isn't much I haven't done, but magic was new to me and I enjoyed every second. I like to think I create magic in peoples homes on a daily basis but now I can say I have done the real things, with the mystery man himself!" - Kelly Hoppen

"I wanted to bring a bit of magic into people's homes and after chatting with legendary interior designer Kelly Hoppen we came up together with the idea of magic inspired wallpaper prints. I'm thrilled with the results and even more delighted that part of the profits will go to the Princes Trust who were so key in helping me start my magical journey"

Brought together by both being ambassadors for The Prince's Trust, they are using this opportunity to, along with Graham & Brown give a percentage of the profits back to charity which is fantastic. They may be an unusual pairing, but I think that this has worked out amazingly, and I am looking forward to seeing what comes from them in the future!

What do you think of this collaboration?

Interiors Trend // Jungle Fever

Image from Pinterest

Jungle and Tropical Prints have been popular for a couple of years and are still set to be big this year as well. Who wouldn't want to live in an urban jungle, with greenery and bright colours it is guarenteed to make you happy every time you walk in the room. So I have put together some of my favourite tropical inspired pieces.

Fabric

1. Jungle A Tana Lawn Fabric by Liberty. £22.50 per metre

2. Manila by Sanderson: £55.00 per metre
3. Jungle Beat by Matthew Williamson & Osborne and Little: £58.00 per metre

4. Soft Jardin Exo'Chic by Christian Lacroix & Designers Guild: £132.00 per metre

Wallpaper

1. Tropical Floral Wallpaper. B&Q - £12.00 per 10m roll

2. Tropicana Wallpaper by Matthew Williamson & Osborne and Little - £59.00 per 10m roll

3. Palm Jungle Wallpaper by Cole and Sons - £78.00 per 10m roll

4. Summer Tropical Bloom Wallpaper by Sian Zeng - £32.00 per 1m (£320.00 per 10m)

I know that working with fabrics and wallpapers can be a bit overwhelming, and making smaller additions will make the same impacts, adding a scattering of cushions to the sofa, a collection of prints on the wall or even adding a couple of home accessories will bring in the trend and brighten up your home.

Cushions

1. Waterfall in the Rainforest Cushion Cover by Wendy Townrow on Society6 - £14.00
2. Leafy Monstera Cushion by Kith & Kin - £56.00

3. Zingy Palm Print Linen Cushion by Suzanne Goodwin - £75.00

4. Rainforest Malachite Cushion by Designers Guild & Christian Lacroix - £110.00

Etsy Prints

1. Large Tropical Print, Watetcolour Leaves, Geometric, Hexagon by AycaAtalayCreative - £4.23

2. Tropical Paper Art Prints by ExcellentArtPrints - £7.49

3. It's A Jungle Out There 8x10 Print by OkSweet - £21.50

4. Set of 4 Tropical Leaf Prints by shelbydillion - £42.99

Home Accessories

Patterned Tray by H&M - £12.99

Happy Friday Tropic Bedding Set by BHS - £35.00
Tropical Glam Banana Leaf Print 5'x6' Rug by Nikki on Society6 - £56.00
Palms Wall Sticker by Zazous on Notonthehighstreet - £104.99

I don't know about you but I want to go and order a couple of prints now!

What do you think of the new jungle trend?

Rented Flat Decorating Tips

Having lived in a rented flat for a number of years, and now owning a flat where we are unable to do anything to it (being a new build we cannot paint or paper for a while in case we cover up any cracks appearing), I know that one if the most difficult things is making the space your own. So here are a few ideas about how to settle in to your place without any major changes;

Image from here (Beautiful apartment as well, check it out!)

Plants

I don't know what it is about it, but filling your flat with plants just makes it feel so homely! Our flat is so warm, that we cannot keep anything alive, apart from Succulent plants. Luckily they also happen to be my favourite.

Image from here

Soft Furnishings

It may sound obvious, but adding cushions and rugs, and changing the curtain that came with the flat, can really make a big difference.

Image from here

Removable Wallpaper

If you're planning on staying in your rented place for a long time, and don't mind putting in a little more effort then removable wallpaper is a fantastic idea!

Image from here

Washi tape images up

To add a little more personality into your place, putting images up using washi tape is fun, definitely more exciting then blue tac and also creates less mess!

Image from here

Large Canvases or Boards against the wall (also mirrors)

And if you're feeling a little crazy, then something relatively easy to do is to cover some super large canvases with fabric, or wallpaper some super large boards or pieces of wood covered in wallpaper or just painted. These make such a statements, and give the effect of having paint, or paper but without having to do it.

Gallery Wall

If you can put a few screws up then adding a few picture shelves is a lot more versatile then hanging each picture individually. You can easily change the colours, images or ornaments to suit the different scheme or even your mood!

How have you changed your rented flat ?

Colour Crush // Black and White Halloween

As Halloween is getting closer and closer, here are some alternative colour schemes. Black and White is a lot classier than the traditional greens and oranges, so here are some inspirational images for a black and white Halloween from my Colour Crush Pinterest Board! 

Enjoy ...

Colour Crush // Mint

Now that our Summer is finally starting, here are some images of my favourite Summery, Minty images from my Colour Crush Pinterest Board!

Enjoy ...

Six of the Best // Dining Tables

Image from North Elevation blog - Home of Bob Weinstein and Eric Hensley.

(It's stunning, I would to move in tomorrow!!)

Ok ... Let me get this straight. This is six of the best mid range dining tables, because we all know, the Saarinen Tulip table in white laminate is perfection! But with prices starting at £1,560 it isn't the most affordable.

Here are my favourite more affordable choices (Warning; Most are wooden, and minimal ... my favourite!)

The first, is the gorgeous Belfort Dining Table from Swoon Editions: £339

It has an Ash Veneered Top and a Walnut base and seats up to four people. Seating four people, The proportions of this table are beautiful, and paired with some vintage style Mid Century Armchairs would be gorgeous. You do have to register with them to receive emails from, and there is a longer lead time but I think that they are worth it!

The next Dining Table is the Copenhagen Dining Table from Next: £275



A brilliant thing about ordering with a large well known company such as Next is they usually have stock in the Warehouse for immediate delivery, meaning no wait for this gorgeous table. This is the cheapest for them all, and for a 160cm long table, seating 6 table is a bit of a bargain. With an oak finish on the legs and white laminate top it will fit in to all schemes.

Next is the Scrumpy Dining Table (Love the name!) from Loaf: £275.

Just look at it! I think that;s enough said ... ?

I think I should also tell you that the the Scrumpy Table is also made from reclaimed timber, making each one unique ... b.e.a.utiful!

The next three are all Expandable Dining Tables. Living in London, and with a lot of my friends living in London I know that most flats, or even houses are on the smaller size and space is a premium, With this in mind an expandable dining table is perfect! On a daily basis you can use the table for one, two, four people, however many you live with but then for entertaining, just pull out the leaves and voila! Dinner Party!

The first is the Mid-Century Expandable Dining Table from West Elm: £699.

Expandable, which is very useful in a small home or if you often have dinner parties, seating eight or ten people. With gorgeous angled solid wood legs, in a mid-century design and with beautiful beveled edges this table would be perfect in any dining room.

Next, the Deakin Extending 2 Leaf Dining Table from Barker and Stonehouse: £685.

A stunningly simple Oak table, also an extendable one would suit any modern room, with curved edges and simple straight legs it creates a very minimal look.

And last, but not least is the House by John Lewis Lily Extending Dining Table from John Lewis: £375.

A smaller table, seating 4-6 people. A solid American Oak Dining Table, with long, slim, angled legs and a simple top with rounded edges, perfect in any setting! (And a bargain!)

Hope you've found one that you like here!

What is your favourite dining table?