Homestyle Diary

An upcycled home!

Homestyle diary — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:14:12 +0000

Ever heard the saying ‘One persons junk is someone else’s treasure’? Well todays post will demonstrate that objects that may have been forgotten or thrown away can certainly be given a new lease of life! Recycling, up cycling, salvaging – call it what you will but however you define it any object can be transformed into a functional design for the home! I came across this bicycle idea and thought it was brilliant and creative so this has inspired today’s post!

The art of up cycling has been around for a few years now but it is still relatively new in interior design. The recent resurgence of all things craft related has most likely helped this idea become a growing trend. Many pieces cry out to be recycled and reused and are to good to be consigned to a skip. Objects with cracks, chips and blemishes can be part of the attraction of up cycling and show its timeless qualities. Everything from old tennis rackets to used suitcases can become a wonderful part of the home.This style isn’t for everyone, indeed having a sofa made from a car bonnet sitting in your home is of course not to everybody’s taste but this eclectic and quirky style is growing rapidly as people are becoming more sustainable. One of the main appeals to this look is that it is unique and cant just be brought off a shelf. I think that scouring flea markets, car boot sales and salvage yards can be quite fun and introducing newly functional objects to your home will certainly make an interesting conversational piece.

Ive seen so many brilliant examples of up cycling which are not only very clever but also creative so I’ve collected a few of my favourite ideas to show you how everyday pieces can be transformed into unique, beautiful products.

Have a look at them below!

Wooden door headboard

Suitcase chair

Library ladder shelving

Drawer bulletin board

Tennis racket mirrors

Bathtub sofa

Vinyl cake stand

Book table runner

Piano water feature

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What do you think?

Thank you for reading!

Adele x

Designer of the week: Clarissa Hulse!

Homestyle diary — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:36:50 +0000

Recently I’ve noticed the distinctive colour palette and designs of Clarissa Hulse becoming increasingly popular. I recently showed a customer the Kallianthi collection which was designed for Harlequin, she loved the rich, strong colours that the fabric provided and is using the beautiful fabrics in many of her rooms!

Clarissa Hulse is one of the most respected textile designers in the UK with her designs influenced highly on her main passion, nature. Her name has become synonymous with beautiful and luxurious home accessories, wallpaper and fabric. The joyful burst of botanical beauty has fast become her signature style. She is uncompromising in her passion to deliver the ultimate combination of colour and fabric in every design and her collections perfectly translate into the latest home ware trends with powerful colours and striking designs.

Have a look at Clarissa’s designs below!

1. Mimosa cushion peacock/soft gold 2. Soap in printed silk 3. Lavender bag plum/wine

4. Persephone cushion turmeric/zinc 5. Turmeric towels 6. Wignut cake stand

7. Grasses silk lampshade hot pink/gold 8. Satin bedspread 9. Medium notebook neon pink/pewter

10. Persephone lampshade turmeric/zinc 11. Angelica cushion magenta/turmeric 12. Rose brair bath towel

13. Teasle cushion ocean/midnight 14. Fern bath towel 15. Persephone lampshade aqua/mocha

16. Lavender bag orchid/zinc

Thank you for reading!

Adele x

Colour inspiration: Mint and gold!

Homestyle diary — Sun, 05 May 2013 13:06:20 +0000

Today’s post will bring some colour inspiration to my blog. This Summer I’ve been drawn into a beautifully refreshing colour combination of mint and gold. This stunning colour palette creates an elegant atmosphere whilst being a perfect blend of sophistication. I love the colour mint, its a cool shade which is fresh and serene so mixed with gold it creates a stylish flair.

Whilst gold is no stranger to interior design, mint has been a prominent colour recently because of its playful and fun nature and together they create a lovely setting. The palette is so fresh and bright and has a sparkly touch of glamour!

Be inspired by mint and gold below!

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What do you think of mint and gold?

Thank you for reading!

Adele x

Sunshine yellow!

Homestyle diary — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:24:09 +0000

Yellow is often a colour that is overlooked but the sunny days we have had recently have given me a summery vibe. I have never worn yellow before however I found myself drawn to this pastel yellow cardigan whilst browsing the shops recently and it has now become a favorite pieces in my wardrobe, something which surprises me considering I probably would have listed yellow as one of my least favorite colours. But this hasn’t always been the case, when I was younger I had the walls of my bedroom painted in a bright yellow which looking back now I can’t believe how I ever slept in such a vibrant coloured room, but I guess that it shows I have always had a soft spot for yellow which has recently come back.

In terms of interior design yellow evokes a sense of warmth and happiness. Used strategically it can brighten up any room and emphasise positive qualities. It ranges from lemon sorbet and daffodils through to sunny, acid yellows and can make a room feel inviting even on cloudy days. There are so many meanings for the colour yellow, perhaps because of its many psychological properties, the most obvious ones being sunny and radiant but it can also evoke feelings of confidence, optimism and happiness. This being said yellow is a sensitive colour to work with and too much can cause hostility so ensure you break the colour up with an accent. Yellows works particularly well as an accent colour rather than a wall colour, a soft pastel yellow is usually best for the walls such as Lemon Sorbet, a calming hue which reflects a softer, pastel feel for Spring 2013.

Hallways or rooms without much natural light can benefit from strong, bright yellows as it will create the illusions of light. Whereas creamy yellows will make a room feel cosy. Yellow is a wonderful hue to incorporate into accessories such as cushions, tiebacks, glassware and lighting because it perks up a dull room instantly. It can be a versatile colour for any room schemes but it should really be used in moderation. It is a bold statement and a real commitment to the colour if used on a wall so therefore it is best suited as an accents. This colour sits perfectly alongside greys, a combination that is fast becoming more popular and for a contrast pair it with its complimentary colour purple. (To read more about these combinations click the links below to read my previous blog posts).

Have a look at these lovely interiors incorporating this colour!

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GET THE LOOK

1. Brunswick floral cushion 2. Flores tray 3. Etching & Roses wallpaper

4. Hydrangea storage boxes 5. Stoneware mug 6. Natural woven throw

7. Flower tealight holder 8. Knitted pod 9. Sienna chair

10. Check cushion 11. Egyptian towels 12. Spot cushion

Yellow and Purple Grey and Yellow

Thank you for reading

Adele x

Feeling blue!

Homestyle diary — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:46:39 +0000

There has been a lot of emphasis on greens recently with Pantone announcing Emerald as the ‘Colour of the Year’ and the Botanical trend but forget greens as todays post is about one of the most sought after hues for the home this season – Blue! True blue without any hints of green, a hue that mirrors a bright summers sky, the colour of Mediterranean waters and precious stones. Pantone first introduced Monaco blue, a bold, electric tone as a top colour for Spring and it now seems that these punchy shades are going to be huge this season. These deep hues include everything from Sapphire to Cobalt and Azure to Royal blue. The rich shades evoke a sense of luxury and intensity and add both strength and depth to a palette. Rich blues have always been reminiscent of royalty and sophistication, classic but with a modern edge. These beautiful shades make a huge statement in interior design whether its used as an accent or a wall colour they communicate confidence and calming qualities when used in the right proportions.

Blue creates harmony with neutrals and can often be seen as a classic colour combination of blue and white – it brings a real Mediterranean vibe and looks striking. Team bold blue accessories with white linen or chalky white walls to define this colour and add an array of patterned cushions in various blue shades as an accent to a neutral based scheme. True blues can be overwhelming in smaller rooms so use more sparingly with accents such as cushions, throws, rugs, lighting and even art work. Blue is a very versatile colour and works particularly well with various tones of blue for a more contemporary and dramatic style. Use it as a large block of colour on one wall or choose a piece of furniture such as a sofa in bold blue. For a modern vibe, pair the punchy shade with complimentary colours of red or orange to create a playful edge. Take a look at how these intense blues can be used in interiors!

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GET THE LOOK

1. Prussian cushion 2. Blue wine glass 3. Lacy heart cushion 4. Spinwash soup dish

5. Pedro side table 6. Egyptian cotton towels 7. Blue jug 8. Spinwash dinner plate

8. Spinwash dinner plate 9. Blue top tumbler 10. Aldo Londi flat bowl

11. Harlequin sira cushion

Thankyou for reading!

Adele x

Designer of the week: Cath Kidston!

Homestyle diary — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:53:19 +0000

Every week I like to introduce a designer brand to Homestyle Diary which specializes in home accessories. Recent posts have included Donna Wilson, Anorak and Thornback & Peel and this week is no exception to British brands with one of the most influential and original designs to emerge from England; Cath Kidston.

Cath Kidston is known for her fun, vintage inspired prints. Over the last fifteen years her designs have become increasingly popular with her signature floral prints appearing on everything from ironing boards to napkins. Today the brand is synonymous with its quirky take on traditional English country from cute rosebud covered mugs to polka dot table cloths. She creates modern pieces with a classical twist which evoke a sense of nostalgia. Her empire has grown from a little shop in London where she sold vintage fabrics and its then that she saw a gap in the market for vintage accessories which were both practical but beautiful. Perhaps its the sheer loveliness or pretty functional designs that has made Cath Kidston the designer she is today but either way, she continues to delight old fans and gain new ones.

Have a look at the pretty home accessories below!

1. Trailing floral ironing board 2. Strawberry oil cloth 3. Enamel clock 4. Daisy rose rolling-pin

5. London scene cushion 6. Hampton rose towel 7. Provence rose lampshade 8. Kempton rose photo frame

9. Cottage thermos flask 10. Antique rose bouquet throw 11. Chelsea mug 12. Provence rose cake stand

13. Spot cushion

Thankyou for reading!

Adele x

Painterly florals!

Homestyle diary — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:20:02 +0000

Florals are always a popular print in interiors and this year they have been blooming! For Spring 2013 the emerging style of ‘painterly’ florals have been introduced in response to the success florals have had in fashion recently. ‘Painterly’ florals, or floral watercolours, captures a summery vibe. The designs showcase the visible brush strokes to create a look that has been painted rather than being realistic. The brushstrokes display a brilliant sense of artistic creativity and texture and look striking in any interior setting.

The artistic aspect puts a new spin on floral patterns, every brushstroke and colour is captured enhancing the feel of hand-painted designs. ‘Painterly’ florals can add interest, depth and vibrancy to a room whether it is a cushion, ornament or art work. For a modern style, use key pieces with crisp white backgrounds to enhance the vibrant colours.

Have a look at these fantastic key pieces that will inject a summery glow into your home!

1. Taransay cushion by bluebellgray 2. Cyclamen painting 3. Photographic floral cushion

4. Meadow mug 5. Blossom and bloom mantle clock 6. Anemone print by bluebellgray

7. Summer meadow cake stand 8. Summer meadow cushion 9. Elizabeth plate 10. Painterly floral rug

Thankyou for reading!

Adele x

Pining for pineapples!

Homestyle diary — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:41:34 +0000

Do you like piña colada? la la la…. It seems people are having a pineapple crush! Theres been an emergence of pineapples in homeware lately appearing on all sorts of accessories from art work to tea light holders. Pineapples are commonly associated with the notion of welcoming and it seems as though people are adding this punchy fruit to their homes, perhaps its because summer is coming and everyone is feeling a little tropical?

Have a look at some pineapple inspired accessories below and escape to paradise!

1. Golden pineapple forks 2. Stretched pineapple canvas 3. Outdoor lantern

4. Pineapple cushion 5. Baroque pineapple ornament 6. Ceramic pineapple lamp

7. Linen pineapple cushion 8. Pink ruffled pineapple vase 9. Jean Roger green table lamp

Thank you for reading!

Adele x

Botanical accessories!

Homestyle diary — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:13:13 +0000

Hello all! I hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

It is officially Spring, even if the weather outside doesn’t reflect this. So with Spring in mind there is one trend that is taking over the high street – Botanical. Florals, butterflies and foliage can be brought into our home with the many home accessories available, making this trend easy to achieve! Have a look at my favorites below!

1. Herbs cushion 2. Botanical bird cage 3. Curiosity creature bath accessories 4. Herb and Text cushion

5. Botanical vase 6. Bud vases 7. Summer meadow cushion 8. Butterfly parchment shade 9. Butterfly throw

10. Botanist picnic mug 11. Botanist cork coaster 12. Meadow embroidery cushion 13. Camberwell table lamp

14. Floral towels 15. Brissi bird tea light holder 16. Leaf decorative bowl

To read more about the Botanical trend click here

Thankyou for reading!

Adele x

Designer of the week: Donna Wilson!

Homestyle diary — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:32:58 +0000

Donna Wilson is a designer known for her quirky, playful and welcoming style. Her distinctive style is what lead her to be crowned ‘Designer of the year’ at Elle Decorations British Design Awards. Her work ranges from colourful knitted creatures to upholstered furniture with her most notable design being knitted creatures which have a playful nature. They first made an appearance for her final show at the Royal College of art and she has since then built her business designing and making a collection from their success.

She is passionate about creating products that people will treasure. Her collections include curious cushions, lamb wool blankets and a variety of home accessories. Her multicoloured palette and cute characters will add a touch of personality to any home so have a look at my favourites from her collection below!

1. Hofdi cushion 2. House throw 3. Fox cushion 4. Wolfie beaker

5. Mono cat 6. Yellow owl cushion 7. Frank zig zag pouffe 8. Mog plate

9. Henry zig zag pouffe 10. Cyril squirrel 11. Blue badger cushion 12. Woody throw

Thank you for reading!

Adele x