Three Ways To Add Colour With A Bookcase

Bookcases: whether big or small I'm sure we all have one in our home, right? This trusted storage staple is also an ideal element for bringing colour into a space, so I decided to pull together three ideas that do just that. Up first is 'exotic brights', a refreshing lime green scheme that utilises colour in a bookcase to visually pull two separate spaces together. This vibrant yet calming scheme is achieved by painting the recessed bookcase in the same hue as the stripes on the bathroom floor, resulting in a cohesive and spacious look. (If you're interested, I blogged the whole tour of this home last year.) Second on the Bookcase Billboard is 'lemon surprise' a high energy, palm springs inspired space that sees a colour block yellow bookcase take centre stage. By styling your bookcase with pieces from the same palette as the bookcase itself creates a striking colour-on-colour statement out of the piece, which brings stacks of vitality to the room. Finally, my favourite of the three looks, 'eclectic pastels'. Ideal for renters or crafty types, this look sees scraps of wallpaper or wrapping papered on the backs of random shelves from which complimentary colours are added through accessories making the bookcase look relaxed and effortless - and, crucially, not messy! Which of the three takes your vote, folks?
// 1. Alexandra Angle; photography by Lucas Allen | 2. Livingetc; photography by Chris Everard | 3. Pynt

Three Ways To A Colourful Window Treatment

Windows are an ideal place to bring a colourful statement into a scheme because they provide a 'readymade' zone in which to add in colour, pattern and texture. These three rooms show how three different types of window treatments - blinds, shutters and curtains - can each become the anchor point for a whole scheme. The first room looks at 'brilliant blinds' and shows how a pretty and detailed fabric can confidently be the key focal element of a scheme. By choosing a pattern with lots of detail and different shades, it gives the opportunity to reference this main statement across other parts of the scheme, such as the rug, sofa and throw cushions. The result is a cohesive and coordinated final look. The second space, 'statement shutters', is a fine example of how picking one accent hue and introducing it to an all-white space can create a colourful look that still feels sophisticated and fresh. Note how no pattern has been introduced to the room: it's this lack of pattern that makes the introduction of a single hue, in a single shade, so impactful. I love the European feel that shutters bring, especially in this beautiful Greek blue colourway. Finally, 'colourful curtains' shows how introducing curtains as a window treatment can soften a harder scheme, bringing warmth to a cooler colour palette like white and blue. If shutters had been used in this final scheme, there wouldn't be any softer elements in the scheme to balance the furniture, slab flooring and white walls; this is why curtains work perfectly in the space. Which of the three ways is your favourite, folks?
// 1. House To Home; Photograph by Simon Whitmore | 2. Styled by Pippa Jameson | 3. Homes & Gardens

Three Ways To Add Colour To Your Living Room

Today I wanted to look at three different ways to add colour to living rooms because I've seen so many fantastic spaces packed with colour. The first scheme, Candy Colour, is the ultimate fun loving space and is easy to achieve with a statement armchair and vibrant textiles. The red thread that ties all the elements together? The stripe pattern across each element of the space. I love it! The second idea, Pastel Pretty, is the perfect scheme for those who like their colours to play a central role in their schemes, just in a more subdued manner. This look is achieved by layering in sorbet-like hues upon a calm and neutral palette. My top tip is to stick to one key hue, then mix in shades from within the same colour family; complete the space with no more than two accent colours to prevent the look from feeling too 'busy'. The final scheme, Painterly, is a fine example of how to use colour to create a striking statement without loosing femininity. This is because soft brush strokes of colour, as opposed to the harder lines like those in the Candy Stripe scheme, bring a delicate feel to the space that suits the blue and violet colour palette. Which look gets your vote, friends?
// 1. & 2. Country Homes & Interiors; photography by Jeremy Baile and Jon Day | 3. House to Home; photography by Dominic Blackmore

Three Ways To Make A Striking Statement With Tiles

Tiles are a brilliant way to add a striking statement to a home because they provide an opportunity to create visual impact across a variety of surfaces in key rooms across the home - the kitchen, bathroom and living room. The first idea works wonders in the kitchen; create a mosaic tiled splashback to bring colourful interest and charm to a modern set of units. Opting for a multi-coloured mosaic like this means you can change up your accessories (kettle, toaster, tea towels, utensils and so on) as often as you like because the different hues of the tiles give multiple reference points for colour accents. The second idea is to use tiles to frame a key piece of furniture in a room. This bathroom space shows how tiling one section of a wall with floral tiles behind a stand alone tub effectively anchors the statement of the room, which prevents it from looking as though it's 'floating' in the space. Idea two is a great way to use tiles to produce a chic, coordinated scheme. The third suggestion - to tile a checkerboard on the floor - works best in larger spaces, like a living room. This is an ideal way to bring a formal and traditional feel to a scheme and works well when paired with another bold pattern such as a wide stripe wallpaper. The checkerboard effect would look great in an elongated hallway, too. Which of these three ideas do you like best?
// The Tile Depot

Three Ways To A Brilliant Bedding Update

I'm a total bedding addict. Yep, 110%, flat out, I'm a slave to bedding! Nothing beats that feeling of slipping into new sheets, but equally, little equals the joy (well, perhaps chocolate and scented candles!) of seeing the difference a new set of bedding can make to a bedroom. It's often written that when decorating a bedroom you should start with the bed. In my decorating book, there's no start and finish. Rather, I like my bedroom to evolve and be flexible enough to change not just with the seasons but with my mood and taste, too. I think carefully about the the furniture, wall decorations and accessories, continually keeping in mind my bedding buying habit to ensure the canvas can take my eclectic tastes. For me, that's why these three spaces work: taking each of them in turn we can see they have similar background schemes - white or pale grey palettes dominates the spaces, yet they all have a distinct vibe of their own. And this is all thanks to their bedding. Playful stripes in sophisticated yet light-hearted hues add style to a country bedroom in scheme one; citrus brights criss-cross in wide checks to add fresh masculinity to the second; and a pretty floral print softens the industrial brickwork and exposed wood floorboards of the third. Which takes your vote?
// House of Fraser

Three Ways: Colourful breakfast nooks

I love breakfast nooks. Fact. There is something cosy and welcoming about them that I always relate to. For me, breakfast is a time to gather one's thoughts for the day ahead and enjoy a moment of calm before the day kicks off. In my little London flat I sit at my dining table to eat each morning but one day I'd love to have the space to create a dedicated area as seen in these three spaces. The first, Circus Brights, is ideal for colour-loving families as it sees cheerful hues paired with weathered wooden surfaces resulting in a stylish, grown up take on a multi-coloured scheme. I love the Scandi feel to this nook, achieved with the tongue and groove panelling and white washed floors and walls. The second space, Citrus Zing, shows how modernistas can add fresh, bold accent hues to even the most stark of spaces. And finally, Lazy Lemon (by far my favourite name of all three!) is perfect when you have a feature you don't want to overshadow. Here, the breathtaking view from the picture windows is framed by a sophisticated palette of cool grey and muted lemon - a real winner in my book! Which of the three do you like best?
// 1. LaLole | 2. Real Living; Styling by Erin Michael; Photography by Tony Amos | 3. Ken Linsteadt Architects

Three Ways To A Bedding Style Statement

John Lewis 1 | 2 | 3

New bedding is an ideal quick fix for a new look in your bedroom and truth be told Mr. Bazaar is somewhat addicted to adding to his ever-growing collection of sheets! Given we spend so much of our lives, well, sleeping, it makes sense to invest in good quality bedlinen. Once you have the basics (think a bank of colour block fitted sheets and pillowcases), then you can think about switching up the look and feel of the room as the seasons change. Perhaps you'll opt for Graphic Fantastic to add pizazz and spice to an otherwise calm and pared back space? Or maybe you're keen to keep things on an even keel with your partner?! Delicate Stripe shows how a stripe pattern made from a mix of softer hues with one bold accent colour creates a good balance between a masculine and feminine scheme. Finally, colour and pattern lovers may well choose Stripe Delight for its nod to the ever-popular nautical trend, delivered here thanks to a series of striking blue stripes. Three different ways to a bedroom style statement but which way is for you, folks?

Three Ways To Incorporate A SMEG Fridge

1. Bo Bedre |  2. MJG by Michael Wee | 3. Yvestown | Sponsored by Appliances Online | All opinions and layouts my own

Given my love for colour it will come as no surprise that I've always had a crush on SMEG fridges. Their array of candy hues make for my kind of sweet shopping! The extensive colourways on offer mean they are a versatile piece for a number of differently styled kitchens. Here I've shown three ways that I think you can rock a SMEG fridge at home. The first, Scandi Brights, shows how a colourful appliance can bring a statement, eye-catching dimension to an otherwise pared back space. Eclectic Mix, from the home tour of Sydney-based stylist Mr Jason Grant, takes a more subtle approach. Here we see how the fridge blurs into the space by surrounding it with worldly finds and colourful tablewares in a set palette of hues. Finally, Pastel Beauty, seen in all it's glory here in Yvonne's kitchen is a fine example of how to incorporate a SMEG fridge into a soft and delicate kitchen by teaming it with floral prints and accent pendants. If Mr. Bazaar was going to have a SMEG fridge it would definitely be the candy stripe design. What about you? Which would you pick?

Three Ways To A Bold & Bright Kitchen

1. Ideal Home | 2. Simon Whitmore for Ideal Home | 3. Tim Young for Ideal Home

Whether your enjoying the height of summer or willing spring to arrive during the grey days of winter (yes, London, I'm looking at you right now) these three ideas are perfect for creating an energising and bright kitchen space. First up we see how 'The Sunshine Shades' of turquoise and yellow hues soften the darker geometric tiles that grace the floor, which in turn lifts the colour scheme. You will notice how the accent colours draw the eye upwards from the chair, to the counter and up to the shelves in the corner of the room; this helps to create visual space in the scheme. The second kitchen shows how to make a statement using colour and furniture. Often we might think to add colour through accessories but here these are kept minimalist with clean white finishes that offset the bold turquoise hue of the dresser - a striking and effortless look. The final look, 'Industrial Red Hues', is perfect for a warehouse or small city kitchen that has been kept white and pared back to increase the feeling of space but needs warming up. Careful use of tomato red accent hues will break up the crisp palette, preventing the scheme from feeling too clinical. My vote goes for look two, but which would you choose?

Three Ways To A Statement Home Office

1. Dominic Blackmore (Ideal Home) | 2. Ferm Living | 3. Livingetc

When it comes to the home office I'm always on the lookout for new ways to make the space more productive and inspiring. These three different spaces are great examples of how to add your personality to a space to make a great statement whilst maintaining a workable environment. The first, Colourful Industrial, shows how you can add warmth and depth to a rustic look with the addition of a single bright hue. I love how the hot red colour draws the eye to interesting vignettes created from necessary office stationery - and how great are those wire baskets on the wall?! The second space, Graphic Stripe, demonstrates how a classic black and white stripe can create a sophisticated and timeless statement in a light and airy room. Here it's best to let the stripes do the talking and keep the rest of the scheme simple yet functional. Finally, Temporary Colour, is a perfect solution for renters who are looking to add colour, personality and storage with minimal lasting effect to the space. Multiple colour block box files add all of these three elements, coming together to create a quick and easy statement feature with no lasting effect - ideal! My vote goes for Colourful Industrial, but which space gets your vote?

Three Ways To A Beautiful Guest Bedroom

1 | 2 | 3

For the first three ways of 2012 I thought I'd pull together some ideas for guest bedrooms. Perhaps you had guests to stay over the holidays and realised the spare room wasn't quite up to scratch. Or maybe you're looking for a project to work on during the weekends. Either way, here are three different ideas for adding interesting features to a guest bedroom. First up we see how a twin bedroom doesn't have to feel childlike; the use of smouldering grey hues, vintage lighting and luxe textiles creates an inviting and adult scheme. Secondly, we see a fresh and feminine guest bedroom which is a fine example of how a gallery wall can work to frame a simple headboard. (I must add, I love the bedside table in this space!) Finally, the third bedroom provides inspiration for contrasting hues. Given a guest bedroom is only ever a temporary space, why not dabble into something a little more daring than your usual decor? I think this charcoal and mustard combo is a real winner. Which space gets your vote?