Book Review: Romantic Style

After reading this wonderful interview with Selina Lake I couldn't wait to delve into her new book, Romantic Style, and immerse myself in a world of all things delicate and vintage. Written by Sara Norrman and photographed by Debi Treloar, it's no surprise that Ryland, Peters & Small's latest offering is a visual treat. Although, in all honesty, I was taken by surprise. Not due to a lack of talent by all those involved, far from it, but because I didn't think I would relate to the decorating style. How wrong I was! 

Split into three sections - Romantic Inspirations, Styling and Rooms - the book won me over with every page turn. Selina's relaxed styling and Sara's inspiring copy had me engrossed from the outset, not to mention Debi's spot-on photography. I think what appealed most was the abundant use of colour throughout; I had expected it to be shot mainly in white-washed rooms but, pleasingly, I found myself inspired to work the look into modern, colourful schemes. It will come as no surprise then, that my favourite section was Romantic Modern, where Selina makes it easy to see how a romantic style can soften a modern space. It's also worth mentioning that the details chapters on creating a romantic look with flowers, fabrics and lighting is hugely insightful. Romantic Style is a smashing book that inspires well beyond the turn of the final page.

Romantic Style by Selina Lake & Sara Norrman | Book photography by Debi Treloar | Published by Ryland, Peters & Small to whom all copyright belongs

{There's no place like home}

We've heard the saying many a time before, but for Catherine Colebrook there really is no place like home. A busy mum of two, Catherine not only looks after her children but also runs a lovely interiors and gifts website - all from home! The new website features photography styled by Selina Lake and relaunches as her home appears in the September issue of Ideal Home Magazine. We don't know about you, but all this strikes us as pretty impressive, especially considering how gorgeous the products are on her site. From retro pictures, to handmade cushions and cards, the site offers a real mix of great buys.

"I caught the sewing bug from my Mum and Grandma," says Catherine, "I was absolutely fascinated by how clothes could be constructed from a length of fabric and the love affair began." Fifteen years later - not forgetting a stint appearing on the BBC's Casualty - and Catherine has achieved her original dream. With commissions from Bright.Bazaar favourites - we're talking the likes of Habitat and Laura Ashley - Catherine Colebrook is a must-visit interiors site.

All products from Catherineccolebrook.co.uk.

Images: Catherinecolebrook.co.uk and Selina Lake

{Lovely, indeed}

Recently we've been swooning over the gorgeous styling on the blog by stylist Selina Lake. Having styled for countless home and interior magazines including, Ideal Home and Country Homes and Interiors, we know Selina knows her stuff when it comes to styling a fabulous photo shoot. Take a look at these lovely pictures from the kitchen of her own home, which is now being rented:

Kitchen, styled by Selina.

Images: Selina Lake Stylist

The simplicity of her styling is what makes it so effective. We love how something as simple as a shocking pink tea towel can add such dramatic effect to the image. Using this as a focus for colour and then referencing it with similar, more subtle tones in the kitchen accessories, works wonders. The result - a kitchen to die for!

Having fallen head-over-heels for the gorgeous pink tea towel, we knew we just had to buy one for the Bright.Bazaar kitchen. The source? A great online store called Lovely Lovely, which sells a whole host of tempting bits and bobs for both your wardrobe, and your home.

Tea towels from Lovely Lovely.

Images: Lovely Lovely