I'd Like To Be...

Ever since I was a kid I've been fascinated with the red buses in London. Perhaps it was the fun of being able to 'hop on, hop off' from either the front or back of the bus as it pulled into a stop. Or it could of been the excitement of travelling to see a new part of the capital city. Either way, I couldn't not choose the red bus driver print from I'd Like To Be, especially as the driver seems to love bow ties as much as Mr. Bazaar! This creative series of prints is designed by Jamie Nash, a London-based designer who hand silkscreens every print. So, tell me, which print is for you, friends?

// Photography & animation by Will Taylor

Typographical Art: Therese Senneholt

It's been a while since I blogged about art, so as soon as I saw these typographical prints by Therese Senneholt on Bodie and Fou's blog, I knew I had to post them. Witty, touching and super chic, these black and white prints charmed their way onto my blog in an instant! One of my favourites is the, 'On the other side of fear lies freedom' design. Which ones do you like? I love it when artists use typography and get it spot on. Bravo, Therese! Be sure to check out Therese's website and shop as there is inspiration aplenty.

prints by Therese Senneholt | styling by Lotta Agaton | photography by Henrik Bonnevier

{Decor SOS: Wall Art}

I saw this huge brownstone image on made by girl's lovely blog last week and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. It's on the wall inside Coisas da Doris' store, but I can't see it online. Does anyone know where it's from, or, where I can find something similar? I love it and think it would look perfect in our new living room because there's a big white wall that needs filling asap!

1

{Sunday Suppers' Prints}

I've written here before about the inspiration I gain from foodie blogs, especially those ones that make-your-mouth-hit-the-floor-before-the-page-finishes-loading type ones. Know the type I mean? Well, imagine the excitement I felt when I merrily clicked through to Sunday Supper's online store yesterday. As I checked their new look site I happened upon these down right brilliant prints and boy oh boy are they brilliant! I can't get enough of their simplicity; the approach to the photography is so refreshing, which results in these yummy prints. My favourites are the Currents and the Blueberries and I'm going to start saving for one of them right away. Do you like food styling, and do you ever feel inspired to decorate after seeing it?

Print images: Sunday Suppers

{Colin Ruffell}

Following my post on Mariska's stunning works yesterday, I'm on a bit of a colourful art roll, and this morning the spotlight's on the equally talented Colin Ruffell. I first discovered his work when I purchased a pack of postcards from IKEA. Intrigued, and at risk of sounding like Rebecca Bloomwood, I 'Google-d' him and found more of his original pieces and prints on his website. Based in Brighton, UK, Colin works alongside other members of his family, all producing simply stunning art. Bold, graphic and emotive, Colin's paintings feature some of my favourite places in the world. I'm a bit smitten with these paintings, can you tell?

1. NY Statue of Liberty; 2. NY Jan09; 3. Blue Skies09; 4. Tuscany; 5. Mediterranean Dream; 6. Corfu; 7. Colours of New York; 8. Hong Kong

{Mariska Meijers}

Well, well, well. What do we have here? Bright colours. Check. Bucket loads of talent. Check. Beautiful designs. Check. Mariska Meijers' colourful still life paintings. Check! Working out of Amsterdam, Mariska likes to think of her works as anti-minimalism. (She only needed to utter those words and I was on side in an instant!) I adore the uplifting hues and striking use of pattern in her paintings, some of which are featured below. Her online store also stocks stationary, cushions and greetings cards. Plus, you can commission Mariska to draw or paint a portrait of your own interior. Basically, she's one super talented lady.

1. Graphic Blossom in Pink; 2. Fashionable Interior; 3. Interior with Chinese Screen II; 4. Colour My Kitchen; 5. Precious Slippers; 6. Interior with Chinese Scrren I

{The Edited Collection: Starburst Mirrors}

Starburst mirrors are an easy way to add a statement feature to many interior schemes, and they look best in hallways and living rooms.

The mix of the black wall and gold mirror is stunning. Another great example of gold working outside of the holiday season.

If mid-century design is your thing, then this 3-tier starburst mirror is perfect as it echoes the 1930's.

This alternative style starburst mirror caught my eye as I think it would be perfect for a garden room or beach house interior. Made from shards of driftwood in varying shades, colours and textures, it's a great way to add a tactile object to a room.

Perhaps this Fifties retro style is more your thing? I like the metal and mahogany combo, and can imagine teaming this with an ornate wallpaper for full effect.

Keeping a starburst mirror simple (like above) is best when you don't want it to be the dominating object within your scheme. There are plently to choose from and many start at great prices, like this one from Homebase for under £40.

This is my favourite of all the styles (which might be down to the excellent styling from the Graham and Green team)! Which one has got you reaching for the credit card?

Images: 1. Desire to Inspire; 2. Decoratum; 3. Not on the high street; 4. Bouf; 5. Matalan; 6. Graham and Green

{Stylish Photography Vignette}

I would love, love, love to have this gorgeous little print in my hallway; it would be the perfect tongue-in-cheek welcome for my guests and give them a taster of what I would aim to make my home feel like: A fun, playful and enjoyable place to be. Plus, what is it about vintage cameras that makes them look so stylish?! Such an easy thing to add to a vignette for instant style.

Image: absoloutely beautiful things

{Interiors Inspiration: Nautical Photography}

I've never been a fan of beach-themed bathroom accessories, but these prints from coastal interiors store Florestine are a totally different ball game. Modern, quirky, stylish and colourful, these photographs would be ideal for a bathroom, conservatory or even a garden room. My favourite is the fishing baskets (5) against the red building. Which one do you like best?

Images: Florestine

{Simon Sheeran: Colourful creations}

Simon Sheeran doesn't just make things, he makes lovely colourful things. Things that will make your home not only look but feel like a happy place; he's created additions for your home that to make living there a tactile experience. He's mixed colour, texture and a spoonful of fun to make some great homewares. My favourites are: the Dot and Doris wall decorations (1), which make me want to run my hand down the Smartie-like spheres; and the 100% recyclable (extra points for being green) Paper ball canopys (2), which are made through a handmade process of fixing together tightly spun paper balls.

Images: Simon Sheeran

{Video: Making the most of small spaces}

I've lived in many small spaces over the years and the one thing I've found each time is that a wall of mirrors and/or frames - all different styles, shapes and sizes - is a great way to add interest, colour and depth, without losing valuable floor space. This Today Show item on making the most of small spaces shows the value of decorating in this way.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

{A stylish wall sticker}

Remember these gorgeous birdcages from last week? Well, I still can't get them out of my head, which is annoying because quite frankly I don't have space in my little flat to hang birdcages in an artistic/dreamy fashion. However, I have a plan! I discovered a quirky online interiors store yesterday called Illustrated Living. They stock some fun retro pieces and lots of accessories adorned with both prints and patterns - a great little place to pick up something to give a room the wow factor. Plus, they do birdcage wall stickers. Yes, I know - amazing! This solves the space problem in my flat: I can now have birdcages, without loosing any space. Perfect! If you head over to Illustrated living and see something you like, then come back and tell me what you're favourite product is - I'd love to know what you're loving at the moment. P.s. The blue colouring on the inside of the cabinet below is so stylish, I love how it provides a dramatic backdrop to the clear wine glasses.

Image: Illustrated Living

{Print love}

Image: 20x200

I found this simple and charming print via the swissmiss blog and went on to read the ironic - given the context of the print - yet happy story behind the prints 'rise to fame'. Read the story behind the artist of the print, Dylan Fareed here.

{Wow, this desk rocks...}

Image: The Hansen Family

...Don't you think? For me, it's the subtlety of the different colours in each compartment that grabs my attention, but then it could be the typewriter print above the desk because that's super cool, too. Check out The Hansen Family website for more Swiss brilliance.

{A handmade world}

"Welcome to our world...feel free to take a piece of it back with you." That's the offering from fey handmade, an online store inspired by nature and ran by a team passionate about design. The guys behind this swoonful store work directly with designers to build great relationships and make great design even more accessible. You can read more about fey handmade here or, why not give their blog a read for a dreamy look into a world of vintage and homespun designs - it's delightful. Now I'm going to get on and post some great clocks and art from the online store, because I secretly can't wait to get back to their site and do some more shopping! This stuff is gorgeous and makes me smile on a Monday morning. Well, that and huge mug of hot coffee.

From top: Clocks: Cuckoo; Owl. Art: Boardwalk; Blood Orange; Ferris Wheel.

Images: fey handmade

{The marriage of cross stitch and graffiti}

Cross stitch and graffiti I hear you cry? Agreed, this is an unlikely union, but for pattern-cutter Phil Davidson it was the natural choice to marry his two loves. His London based company Random Monkey Design sells cross stitch kits for anyone to make in their own home. Inspired by street art and popular culture, the kits are a great way to get crafty with your home. As well as offering diy kits, Phil also takes commissions and will mount and frame them for you. Loving the personality here - this marriage of street-flavoured design and the stereotypically not-so-street cross stitching works brilliantly on two accounts; to challenge said stereotype, whilst also making for a great, modern addition to one's home. Go Phil!

Balloon Girl, Thug For Life & Barcode Cage.

random-monkey-design.com