{Nate Berkus & Colour}

When Michelle from Holley and Gill sent this tweet to the ever so gorgeous Moggit Girls (those two know how to work the glamour) I felt excited to be able to join in the Nate Day fun. I think it's really fantastic what Joy and Janet have managed to achieve in getting a whole studio audience of design bloggers together for a recording of Nate's new show on NBC this fall. I see this as a really positive move; one that recognises the passion and engagement for interior design within the blogosphere. This is so important because it shows that, just like fashion bloggers getting front row seats for the runway, us design bloggers are starting to get the same recognition.

Images

The reason Nate's designs appeal to me is down to colour and his confidence to go for it. His use of colour is sophisticated and fun, not stuffy or forced. I mean, just check out those subtle pops of yellow on the seat backs of the two chairs in the top right hand corner - genius. Of everything I've seen of Nate's, my favourite design is that blue gloss and black kitchen. It's the perfect mix of masculine design and feminine glamour. I'd quite happily jump up onto one of those orange stools, vino in hand (obv), and kick back to watch his new show. Just gotta get a flight to the States first but, you know, when a guy loves his decor he can make these things happen! Thanks for letting me take part Joy and Janet. Check out all the Nate Day posts, here.

{10 Things I Learned This Weekend...}

The bank holiday means it's still the weekend here in the UK...bliss! Whether you're taking a long weekend or if you are back at work, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Here's a snapshot of mine...

1. I downloaded the latest free desktop wallpaper from Holley and Gill. Head over and do the same; the design is beautiful and don't get me started on the colour! P.S. You can chat with them on twitter, too.

2. IKEA purchase #1 Barometer Desk Lamp

3. IKEA purchase #2 Vilmie Ruta Cushion

4. IKEA purchase #3 Barbar Tray

5. I blame the gorgeous interiors from SATC2 for my IKEA spendings! (Sidenote: wasn't the film brilliant?! I love how it was a pure romp and that they didn't stretch out the storylines too much from SATC1.)

6. Love this outfit from Zara.

7. I watched A Good Year for about the 7th time and I still love it.

8. Saw the trailer for Letters To Juliet, which looks wonderful and beautifully shot.

9. Three day weekends really are something special.

10. This bouquet took my breath away.

{Blog love: Holley & Gill}

I love finding a new blog. There is something special about being able to support and read someones blog right from that exciting first post. I remember my first blog post, I was stupidly excited about it and must have loaded the page at least fifty times in the space of a couple of days. A few weeks later, when I started getting comments from readers it dawned on me that people were actually reading my posts - a feeling that I'm sure all us bloggers enjoy each time we see people engaging with our material and enjoying our thoughts.

This is why I wanted to share with you the Holley & Gill blog, authored by Conrad and Michelle. At a couple of weeks old, their blog which they launched alongside their new website for Montreal-based design office of the same name, already feels established and has a clear voice.

The couple have combined their individual experiences - Conrad's in marketing and branding and Michelle's fine arts and modern design work - to create their design agency, which believes products should have a sustainable and quality provenance. One of their recent posts gives an introduction to the processes used to create their products at a small, local studio. Much like Adler embraces his homewares brand with the decor of his home office, posts like these show that the couple believe, and are passionate about the ethos and ethics of their company.

Another of my favourite posts from these guys featured this desktop wallpaper (shown above). Perfect for spring and in my favourite yellow, it's perfect for loosing yourself in especially when that mid-afternoon/post-lunch slump hits around 3pm! Like the look of it? Download it for free from their blog, here.

Images: Holley & Gill

So all-in-all Holley & Gill is a lovely new blog. One that shows both the depth of knowledge and experience Conrad and Michelle have from their relevant disciplines, whilst being informative and accessible. Go on over and show them some Friday blog love! Plus, if you like the look of the headboard (shown above), it's called 'Feathers' and is available to buy from their Etsy store.