Fireplace Plate Wall

Yvestown

This is a prime example of an all-white space that Mr. Bazaar could get down with. Why? Well, the lovely Yvonne from Yvestown has created visual depth and interest to the white palette in her kitchen by adding colourful wallpaper and accessories which lift the mood of the space. Look at how well the plates match the wallpaper, yet the whole room doesn't feel forced or overly co-ordinated. Rather, these little details create a coherent space that oozes a comfortable, welcoming and gently colourful vibe. And as for that top shot? It would make a top notch magazine cover shot, right?

Mini Moderns at Tent London

Photography by Will Taylor

I've loved the work of Mini Moderns since I discovered their work in an interview they did with Grand Designs magazine way back when I was still at university. We've kept in touch after meeting at the Tent design show a few years later and you might recognise some of their pieces in this post from previous features on the blog. Anyhow, this past weekend, the 2011 Tent London show took place and I went along to view the latest works of some excellent designers. It was such a pleasure to spend a few hours with Keith, Mark - the Mini Mods head honchos! - and their new assistant, Charlotte as I photographed the stand. OK, so I did take time out to read their newspaper - I couldn't resist! I love watching their brand grow and feel genuine excitement each time I hear of their new collections. My favourites? It has to be the seaside-inspired charm of Whitby and the nostalgia-inducing Memorabilia. Which of their designs do you like best?

My Recent Styling Work: Olli Ella

Styling by Will Taylor | Photography by James Balston

Back in the height of summer I spent a day styling Olli Ella's new baby and toddler bedding and home accessories collection. With my right hand man James Balston (photographer extraordinaire) in toe, we worked with the Olli Ella team to capture the boy and girl collections all in one day. It was a lovely shoot, not least because I worked with live models for the first time, which was a new challenge for me - just how adorable are those shots of mum and baby?! It was also quite refreshing to get back to my product styling roots, as my last few shoots have been more conceptual prop styling/inspirational pieces, so here I was keen to make their products the focal point in every shot. Let me know what you think!

How to Moodboard by Holly Becker

Will Taylor

On Sunday I hotfooted my way to Anthropologie on the King's Rd in South Kensington to listen to Holly Becker, Leslie Shewring and Abigail Ahern share their tips for creating inspiring and functional mood boards. Holly kicked off proceedings by sharing the context of the moodboard she was creating for us: it wasn't a specific, room-focused board that a designer would do for a client. Rather, this was going to be an example of a board you could create to help focus your creative energy and inspirations for decorating. Taking a painting from a trip to Istanbul as her starting point, Holly then added fabrics, tear sheets from magazines, buttons, colour swatches and other materials that tied into the scheme inspired by the piece, to the board. Leslie suggested it was a good idea to have a 'mini board' that you could carry around with you when shopping to remind you of the exact colours and textures you liked - Holly even had an example to show the group. Even though I was in the middle of a cold, I had a great time and thought it was a fantastic event! Do you make many moodboards when decorating at home? What works well for you?

10 Things I Learned & Loved This Weekend

1. Taking a beautiful walk along the South Bank on Friday morning; I loved how this photograph I took captures the symmetrical beauty of the London Eye.
2. The accessories in the Topman General Store in Shoreditch had me inspired to update my autumn attire.
3. I discovered these super adorable ceramics by Yas-Ming Ceramics at Tent London - I love them!
4. Another Tent London discovery, this time the Cityscape lighting by Sohyun Kim.
5. I'm on the lookout for a factory/utilitarian-inspired clock.
6. Blue skies and sunshine make the Houses of Parliament look even more beautiful.
7. I love the glossy finish to these colourful, handblown Moroccan tea glasses.
8. The surprise addition of colour to these tumblers also had me inspired.
9. I'm addicted to suede shoes!
10. Loved this monochrome addition to the Jack Spade collection.

Sunday's Bright Links: Rustic Bathroom

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Elsewhere
A light-filled, open plan workspace.
Love the Cityscape Pillow project from Print Workshop.
This post reminded me of playing amongst the apple trees in our garden orchard when I was growing up.
Katie's publishing her own book of design interviews.
Freezing blue hues.
Fuchsia meets woodsy wedding inspiration (with customary owls!).
Inspiring logo designs.

Bright.Bazaar
10 things.
Favourites from IKEA Family Live's new website.
Toast's autumn house and home collection.
West Elm's Thanksgiving collection.
Coni Lab giveaway (open until Monday - enter now!)
A cosy autumnal bedroom.

Happy Weekend: Cosy Autumnal Bedroom

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Goodness me, I am so pleased that the weekend has finally arrived. This week has been non-stop with back-to-back London Design Festival events and an ever-rising workload. I feel in need of some quiet and peaceful downtime; a few hours spent lazing around in my PJs with good books and hot coffee for company. The whimsical wallpaper and luxurious textiles (not to mention that divine wingback chair) make this bedroom the perfect place to escape for a few restorative hours. What are your plans this weekend, friends?

Print Giveaway: Coni Lab

I'm delighted to welcome Coni Lab to Bright.Bazaar as one of my new sponsors. Working out of Barcelona, Spain, Coni's designs have a wonderfully colourful, positive and upbeat feel about them. This, of course, makes them perfect for Mr. Bazaar! I really like her 'We Are a Team' designs and the 'Do What You Love / Love What You Do' duo is also very striking - perfect for a hallway, I think. My favourite print is the 'Life is Colourful' design and because of Coni's generosity, you can enter to win one! Here are the different ways you can enter (please leave a separate comment below for each entry you decide to do):

1. Leave a comment saying where you would hang the 'Life is Colourful' print if you won.

2. Like Bright.Bazaar on Facebook.

3. Follow me on twitter.

4. Follow Bright.Bazaar on Google Friend Connect.

5. Tweet the giveaway for an extra entry!

Giveaway closes at 23:59hrs on Monday 26 September and the winner will be chosen by random.org. Good luck!

West Elm: Thanksgiving Entertaining Ideas

West Elm

Oh, I do love it when West Elm release a new collection. Following on from their main fall 2011 collection, the brand is set to release their Thanksgiving pieces next week, and we're lucky enough to have a sneak peek today! A versatile product assortment means many of the pieces can be used before, during and after the Thanksgiving holiday - I like the idea of working them into a Halloween tabletop. As per West Elm's usual style, the range has been beautifully styled, providing countless ideas and inspirations for fall entertaining. This year sees a collaboration with Brooklyn-based graphic designer Mary Matson, whose designs are my favourite of the whole collection. Her graphic and playful designs for the 'Gobble' and 'Thanks' serveware really made me smile. And the good news? They now ship to the UK! Do you entertain during the fall season? How do you like to lay the table at this time of year?

Toast Autumn 2011: House & Home

Bedding | Weck jar candle | Linen | Basket | Glasses

I went into a Toast store last weekend and knew instantly I had to blog their latest House&Home collection. Staying true to their pared back, country rustic style, the autumn collection offers a range of tactile linens, simple glassware and striking bedding. The handblown glasses have a beautiful shape to them and the week jar candle is lovely. I love how the brand has styled this season's collection; anyone else feeling eager for a little country get away?!

IKEA Family Live's New Look!

IKEA Family Live

Did you know that the IKEA Family Live website has had a little spruce up? Yep, the site has undergone a nip and tuck, coming out the other side looking rather fabulous. The expanding site is full of inspirational ideas from real homes that have decorated with IKEA products. I really enjoy browsing through the home tours, seeing how owners have turned the pieces into something of their own and how similar pieces can work in many different spaces. Another reason this site makes me happy? It's rammed to the rafters with colour! Anything inspiring you?