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?

Livingetc

Rue Blog: Outfit to Room

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Today I'm over on the Rue magazine blog with a little outfit to room post. It's brimming over with prep and bursting with brights - there's even a few handsome chaps thrown into the mix. Well, what else would you expect from Mr. Bazaar?! I'd be delighted if you were to pop over and have a nose around.

Three Cracking Headboard Ideas

When it comes to decorating a bedroom, we often think about the sheets, the bedding, the lighting, but more often than not, it's the headboard that steals the show. Deciding on a look or style for a headboard is a very personal choice and will vary depending on whether it's the master or the guest room - you might want to be more daring in a space you don't have to live in everyday. These three looks range from the sophisticated and classic to the daring and quirky. If you want to have a little fun with a guest bedroom, why not draw a headboard onto a blackboard panel, framed with a vintage thrift find? Then in your master suite you can go down a more grown-up route: achieve a glamorous look with an ornate headboard upholstered in silk. What tips do you have for making a feature out of a headboard?

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Michael Penney Style: The Portfolio

Oh boy, has Mr. B found some inspirational spaces inside Michael Penney's portfolio. Penney calls himself 'your friendly neighbourhood decorator', and the spaces he creates are testament to just that: the aspirational yet accessible styling amongst his gently colourful designs make for striking bedrooms, delicate dining rooms and classic bathrooms. I mean, who wouldn't want to pull up that Duck-egg blue chair and leaf through The New York Times?! Michael is a decorator, stylist and magazine editor whose philosophy on creating a home rings true with my own: "Creating a beautiful home is all about self-expression and feathering the nest with things that make you just plain happy." Spot on, I think. As for a favourite of his designs, I simply couldn't choose, but my top three are: the kitchen nook (above), the classic bathroom and the rustic dining room. Which rooms do you like?

Michael Penney Style

10 Things I Learned & Loved This Weekend

1. My heart longs to spend some quality time with this bright and cheery fellow.

2. Spring - and all the colours it brings with it - isn't far away!

3. These jars look great with their parcel labels.

4. Graham and Brown's Frames wallpaper would be perfect for a child's bedroom.

5. J.Crew has once again been catching my eye with their delicious checks.

6. I'm off to Paris in two weeks - and I can't wait!

7. If you're an iPad or iPhone user, then this website has loads of great backgrounds for free download.

8. Taking time out for a peaceful walk through castle grounds is a lovely way to spend Sunday afternoon.

9. Owl's are one trend I'm totally buying into: this gold owl was a bargain at five pounds!

10. I'm starting to get to grips with my PEN camera.

Sunday's Bright Links

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Bright.Bazaar highlighted on the HGTV blog.

A brilliant cover design by The New York Times Magazine.

Fab post by Crystal on Vicente Wolf's blog.

The story behind Dabito's home tour. 

Snow looking pretty in Paris.

A knock out washroom.

Sock it to 'em.
If there was ever an inspiring film about blogging, then this is it.

A fantastic first week of contributors on the Rue blog.

Happy Weekend

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Thank you for your company this week, folks. Do you have any fun plans this weekend? I'm planning on taking a walk through the park - I need to try out more of the features on my PEN camera. Hopefully there will also be time to cook up a new dish or two from Nigella Lawson's latest kitchen bible! Have a good one!

Home Tour: A Colourful Vintage

I'm inspired on a daily basis by Solid Frog and this home tour is the latest space to have my heart all a flutter. Well, with knock out geometric flooring like this in the entryway, how could it be anything short of fabulous?! The space is a delightful fusion of vintage finds and striking modern designs: reclaimed wooden cabinets sit comfortably alongside Lucite chairs and anglepoise lamps. Meanwhile, a base of milky whites allow for a smattering of colourful accent pieces, tied together by a continuation of black hues throughout. OK, why not dive in and tell me what's catching your interiors-loving eye?

Sara Svenningrud | Residence Magazine | via Solid Frog

Ideal Home, February 2011

Ah ha! What do we have here? Only another smashing shelter title to delve into for decorating inspiration: the Ideal Home team have pulled a corker out the bag for their February offering, and I've picked four schemes that will have you running for the newsagents (and the DIY store!).

First up is their charming take on floral prints. I love how the styling echoes the bold fabric print on the curtains: vases are brimming with fresh blooms and cushions are designed to reflect floral shapes. It's a wonderfully fresh and feminine space. OK, so that's the living room sorted, but what about the kitchen? No fear, my friends, as there's a subway tile to inspire at our next stop. The cooking space has been warmed up with punchy red accents and a smattering of black pieces, whilst hanging storage clears the walls of units, which in turn opens up the room. Right, so dinner's on the go and we've just enough time to squeeze in some emails: off to the office we head. This one took me by surprise as it's not normally my thing, yet this combo of warm woods and graphic prints hits the spot. Dinner's ready and we head to my favourite space from the issue - a factory-themed dining room. Industrial pendants and reclaimed storage, coupled with exposed brick walls and mix and match chairs make for a space that - despite the masculine approach - is cosy and welcoming. It turns out their lovely Deputy Shopping Editor, Ellie, agrees. Brilliant!

Ideal Home Magazine | Floral Scheme | Wooden Desk Scheme

Three Ways: Striking Kitchen Ideas

When it comes to the kitchen we all want to achieve that knock-out space: you know, the one room that really wows your guests. No matter how big or small the space you have to play with, think about choosing one key element and allowing it to shine through. Texture, pattern and colour are three elements that you can use to centre a kitchen scheme around; mix and match elements or, just stick to one to create a striking space. I love how the patterned splash back (2) sends an everyday, average space rocketing up into the rafters of the style stakes. Whilst the reclaimed wooden surfaces (1) speak volumes: class, character and cosiness from one texture alone. Have you used any of these elements in your own kitchen?

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Home Tour: Dabito's Downtown L.A. Loft

This downtown loft belongs to Dabito from Old Brand New, a cracking blog I stumbled upon just before 2010 was out. I've since been hooked on Dab's great eye for style and addiction to thrifting, which, incidentally, has rubbed off and resulted in several purchases from his etsy store. Anyhow, back to his apartment: isn't it rather special? Deliciously masculine yet suitably attainable and accessible in it's style. The light and breezy open plan kitchen-living space is refreshingly modern, with it's brick wall preventing the look from being too stark. Whimsical additions live in small nooks, adding charm and personality to the loft, whilst piles of books in the living area create a relaxed and informal atmosphere. There sure is plenty to inspire here, shall we take a look around?

Old Brand New

10 Things I Learned & Loved Over The Holidays

 1. One of the first shots taken on my new PEN camera.

2. Looking through old photos with your family is really fun; here I am one Christmas morning many moons ago!

3. Parcels containing homemade jam and hand sewn fabric bags are delightful. Thank you, Susan and William.

4. Polka dot gold film makes a perfect wrap for Rocky Road bars.

5. My first vintage purchase of 2011!

6. I spent most of December eying this little fellow, so I couldn't resist when I saw him in the sale.

7. Likewise, the Bell Garland from The White Company slipped into my shopper!

8. A dash of prep for my wrist.

9. A throw for less than £10? Bargain, I say.

10. I'm excited to read this book.

Happy New Year!

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Wishing you all a very happy New Year; one full of good health, happiness and prosperity. Thank you again for all your inspiring words, images and blogs throughout 2010. Here's to 2011! See you back here as normal on Monday. Will x