{Blog Love: Purple Area}

I've only been following the Purple Area blog for a few months, but what an inspirational few months they have been! As usual I've picked out what has inspired me most from this lovely blog; I especially enjoy the images and reviews of various interiors stores and colourful floristry. With an eclectic mix of whimsical shop window displays, simple yet chic home tours and plenty of inspiring photography, there is always something to inspire.

Images are mainly by Purple Area's author. If you see an image that's yours and know the credit, please let me know so that I can add it. Thank you!

{Interiors Inspiration: Decorating with Stripes}

Ever since my first Paul Smith purchase I have been in a deep love affair with stripes. They may well be a graphic statement, but don't let this put you off adding further patterns into your scheme. The blue bedroom (2) demonstrates this mix and match approach, which works because the second pattern is introduced in the same colour palette as the stripes and used sparingly on throw pillows. Echoing the vertical stripes of the floor (7) in the bedside cabinets is a simple yet effective trick for breaking up the pattern, whilst wallpapering the ceiling and the walls (10) is bold, brave and brilliant.

Images: 1. boligmagasinet; 2. massuccowarnermiller; 3. The Decorista; 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10. Living Etc; 7. Purple Area

{Scream! Jonathan Adler Wallpaper}

Ok, so I know I was banging on about JA just last week (sorry!) but I had to post images of his new wallpaper collection because it's everything I love in interiors. The collection is full of bright, bold patterns that I can't get enough of. Love, love, love.

I really like the tribal pattern paper (3) because it totally echoes the catwalk, which would be perfect for my lovely friend Ashlina's blog feature that shows fashion trends crossing into interiors (check those posts out - they rock!)

Images: Jonathan Adler

{Colour Inspiration: Brown}

Watching Friends years ago I remember thinking how much I liked the brown leather sofa in Central Perk, it's worn and battered appearance somehow making it even more attractive. I think brown is a colour I would always add through anything but walls or curtains. For me, this is a colour that is at it's best when it's left to age and show its inconsistencies - be it in a battered kitchen table top, a gorgeous hide rug (1) or a well-used Louis Vuitton brown suitcase as a nightstand (8), which I think is an inspired idea. Have you used brown in any of your decor schemes?

Images: 1. HouseandHome; 2. Urbanstylevibes; 3. Desiretoinspire; 4. Anitta Behrendt via decor8; 5. Manolohome; 6. TableTonic; 7. Purplearea; 8. Shelterinteriordesign

{Interiors Inspiration: Whimsical Signs}

I'm a huge fan of colourful and playful interiors, so anything with a touch of whimsy gets my vote. An unusual addition to a room can make for a great talking point, and these oversized letters and stars are so much fun. If I have the space I'd prop the blue star (3) up against the wall in my kitchen-diner.

Images: Shoot Factory via Purple Area

{Office Inspiration: Red and White}

It's not easy to make work spaces look relaxed and effortless in their approach to style, but this office achieves it with great effect. The vintage anglepoise, accent red chair and exposed wood desk, mixed in with eclectic finds, makes a space fit for some serious creative working.

Blodwen

Now, why not get the look?

A Chair, Tolix.

Type 1227 Anglepoise Lamp, Heals.

Vintage Desk, Three Potato Four

{Blodwen General Store}

After a weekend full of sunshine and glorious blue skies I'm entering the week full of lust for bright, airy spaces, along with mix and match picnic-style textiles. If I was in Brooklyn I would go to the Brook Farm General Store, but seeing as I'm based in the UK, I'd happily settle for Blodwen - a super stylish General Store in Wales. It's an online emporium in honour of the traditional local craftsmanship, which has been given a modern edge with a spoonful of contemporary design and style. Their rugs and throws (2, 5 + 6) would make ideal picnic blankets, and just imagine being able to wake up and have coffee in that dining room (9) everyday...

Images: Blodwen