Livingetc, March 2011

I spent Saturday morning sat in my favourite stripy chair by our balcony windows, leafing through the March issue of Livingetc whilst gallantly working my way through a pot of Nutella. Despite knowing the temperature was barely above freezing, the sunshine and clear skies outside the window reminded that spring is on the horizon - as did the magazine in my hands. A quirky British style takes over in the Brooklyn brownstone that features as House of the Month (2, 3) and the Totally Tudor feature (4, 5) had my heart skipping at a zillion beats a minute - isn't that bedroom divine? My affections were soon to be shared as I fell upon the industrial dining space inside Karine and Rodolphe's late 19th century Marseille-based home. Two knockout kitchens detailing preppy blues and greens round off my top picks from this subtly spring-like issue. Which tears do you like?

Livingetc

Livingetc, February 2011

It feels as though we've only dipped our toes into 2011, so you'll be forgiven for finding it hard to believe we're already onto the second issues of the year. February's offering from the stylish folks at Livingetc won't disappoint - in fact, I think it's one of their strongest issues in some time. Inside you'll find: a fine example of what the team charmingly describe as 'hunting-lodge chic'; twelve ideas for weekend updates; a knock out Manhattan apartment and one of my favourite features by the mag for some time: TV Presenter Ben Fogle and the eclectic, colourful home he shares with his wife. Their space details striking modern pieces that pop thanks to their bright hues, whilst vintage additions and worldly finds make for a cosy atmosphere - a grand home indeed! Be sure to pick up an issue to see their Classical Studies feature, tips on displaying books and a round up of the best metro tiles on the market. Oh, and in the meantime, why not pop over to their smashing blog?

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Livingetc, January 2011

In her editor's welcome, Carmel Allen writes about pushing boundaries when it comes to interior decorating, and she makes a great point: Don't be afraid to push your comfort zone, as no matter how small your step outside of it is, you'll feel exhilarated for doing it. I couldn't agree more, Carmel! When it comes to homes, you'll see from the home tours featured on Bright.Bazaar that I feel drawn towards spaces with a quirk or something out of the ordinary. No surprise, then, that this issue is one of my favourites from the Livingetc gang in a the last few months. Inside you'll find a 2011 trend forecast, a tour of Meg Mathews 'punk pink' home, the best typography pieces and great ideas for table settings, amongst many more homes and product round ups. I've selected some of the editorials and stories that stood out for me. My top tearsheet? It has to be the home office of Barnaba Fornasetti (shown below in home tours) for it's mix of whimsy with clean, modern lines. Which pages call out to you?

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A Livingetc Christmas

Having already dazzled us with their 2010 take on Christmas, I just knew taking a trip through the Livingetc Christmas archives would deliver yet more inspiration. I'm totally gaga about the range of different looks they've put together over the years, so I've pulled together some of my favourites and added a few decorating tips along the way. If I had to pick a top look it would be the wintry white wreath (above) with it's proud stag and peek of blue stripe ribbon. That said, it still blows me away how cool a tree can look made out of post-it notes (below). Which of the different looks have you inspired for your own holiday decorating?

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Livingetc December 2010

Well, what can I say? Livingetc's December issue is a feast for your festive senses! With holiday decor ideas for a range of style points and a seriously cracking house of the month home tour, where is plenty to inspire. Proceedings kick off with a woodland-inspired mood board along with a Christmas stationery round-up, after which we head straight into this month's star home. Belonging to the Ottilie family, the Suffolk home is utterly charming - confident without being overstated. If that wasn't enough, they are also impeccably dressed (check out their preppy style - I love it!). The other two stars of this issue are the 'decorating ideas' features: Fabulous Festive Looks for Less and Decorating with Foliage. Ice tones mixed with blue and grey hues make a statement out of a pole of baubles, whilst those looking for an understated look can leave their tree bare. Amongst many other engaging spreads - including interviews with fashion and homeware designer Ben de Lisi and The Rug Company founder, Suzanne Sharp - the issue provides a great read as well as numerous tear sheet opportunities. There's also a delightful Donna Hay Christmas supplement, which is packed full of handmade gift ideas, sweets to bake and decor ideas for the table.

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Livingetc Subscription Giveaway!

For a while now I've been wanting to find a little way to say thank you for the support you've given to Bright.Bazaar and my new column in Rue magazine. Whilst I was fortunate enough to meet some friends in New York and thank them in person, I know there are many of you out there who support from afar. So, to say 'thank you' and to celebrate the recent launch of Livingetc's new blog, Life.Style.etc, I've teamed up with the magazine to offer you guys a free year's subscription to Livingetc. Life.Style.etc is well worth a read as each day a different member of their editorial team posts about what has inspired them. As such the content is as diverse as it is entertaining; expect to read about the latest art exhibitions to independent interiors stores, along with a splash of fashionable accessories.

There are two yearlong subscriptions up for grabs for bloggers based in the UK or internationally. Plus, you can enter up to eight times for a chance to win. Pick and choose the ways you would like to enter (feel free to do them all if you like), but be sure to leave a comment for each separate entry. The giveaway will close at midnight on Wednesday 6th October 2010 and the two winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!