Interiors Archives | The London Mummy

Interiors

WFH Essentials: Style, Comfort & Organisation In Your Home Office

Forget going back to the office. Working from home is here to stay – at least for the next couple of months! It seems so long ago that we all started setting up makeshift workspaces at kitchen tables or converting a whole room into the work office. I’ve also started picking up bits and pieces to make the whole working from home experience a lot more comfortable and practical. I wanted to share with you some of the things I’ve come to consider as working from home necessities. What are the things you can’t live without in your home-work environment?

Pink & Red Stripe Wool Slipper Socks, TLM Edit

£22

I literally live in these. They’re perfect for padding around on cold tiled kitchen floors, especially if working from home turns you into a serial tea-drinker.

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Victorian Frill Trim Broderie Mock Collar, TLM Edit

£28

Need to jump on a Zoom call? Smarten up your working from home attire with a detachable collar. It’s quick to slip on under your jumper and gives off an immediate air of professionalism.

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White Layering Fake Shirt Skirt, TLM Edit

£28

I love this cheat way to give the impression you’re wearing a shirt. It’s super-flattering on the hip area without the bulk of a shirt to layer up your look.

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Dragon Letter Tray, Blue Bowl

£30

Is the paperwork piling up in your office? Time to get organised with some cute letter trays.

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Squiggle Box File, Blue Bowl

£35

I like to use box files for things that are completely signed off on but I need to keep hold of just in case. Bring some playfulness to your desk with this squiggle print.

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Leopard Print Letter Personalised Mug, Marina B Designs

£17

Remind yourself who’s boss with a personalised mug. Marina B has some bold and dazzling designs to choose from but the hot pink is definitely my favourite.

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Ring Light for Photography, Shooting & Streaming, AIXPI

£23

A must-have for anyone making videos or taking photos, this ring light moves between my office and vanity table – not sure how I managed without it!

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You might also like: 5 Brands To Refresh Your Skincare Routine This January

Wireless Headset Bluetooth, Mpow

£23

I’m a big fan of this Bluetooth headset for when I’m trying to do a million and one things at once. It fits in the ear comfortably and the battery lasts for days.

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Leopard Suede & Lambswool Sandals, Air & Grace

£99

These are a brilliant hybrid between slippers and sandals. I like the comfort factor but also the fact that they let your feet breathe.

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Electric Heated Vest, Rrtizan

£49

If it’s cold in your house like mine is, you will need this …

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Smart Speaker With Built-In Alexa, SONOS

£189

Where would we be without Alexa? You can’t go wrong with a Sonos for streaming music and now it’s available with all the helpful Amazon Alexa features too.

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Oblio Wireless Charging Station & UV Sanitiser, Lexon

£80

I hate to think about how dirty my phone gets and now I don’t have to worry about it at all with this charger and sanitiser. A must for our Covid-19 world.

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A5 Notebook – Girl With Attitude, Sloane Stationery

£35

A notebook with attitude to fill work notes, daydreams and everything in between.

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Grey Washed Wood Desk, The Range

£40

Keep things simple with this wooden desk. It’s inexpensive and won’t take up too much space.

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Bead Round Basket, Hay

£155

It’s always handy to have baskets around for keeping things organised. This one is beside the desk to drop in any clutter when it starts to accumulate.

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Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

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Gift Guides Interiors

22 Christmas Decorations To Get Your House Ready For The Big Day

Holiday season is almost upon us, so it’s time to stock up on the Christmas decorations! I know it doesn’t feel like it usually does but one of the ‘normal’ things we can still do is decorate for Christmas. With so much time at home, are you feeling tempted to do it earlier than usual? I know I am… if only to brighten the place up and welcome in some festive cheer.

My Christmas shopping is almost complete and I’ve made a list of all of the lovely festive food I’ll be picking up nearer the big day. So, all that’s left is the wrapping and decorating. I’ve got a stack of decorations from previous years to pull out of storage but part of the fun is always picking out some new baubles, fairy lights and candles.

Some years, it’s nice to go traditional with reds and greens, glass baubles and classic Santa knick-knacks about the place. While other times, I feel like indulging in all the quirky, modern trimmings that come in all sorts of colours.

I’m still undecided which way I’ll go this year, so this post feels like a mood board of all the brilliant, vibrant Christmas decorations out there and it’s really inspiring me to bring together a tasteful combination of old and new ornaments and decoration.

For more Christmas inspiration, here’s what to buy a man who is hard to buy for, how to treat your tween this festive season and things to keep everyone entertained for a potential lockdown Christmas.

LED Leaf String Lights with Remote Control, Kikkerland Design

£13

Make your fairy lights fun and functional with these remote-controlled leaf lights. I’d place these on a windowsill or around a mantelpiece — anywhere that could be brightened up with some greenery.

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Circus Candlesticks, Tooka

£16.50

Christmas decorations you can use throughout the year will always be a better investment and these Circus Candles fit that description. Great for your Christmas Day table and a colourful addition elsewhere the rest of the time.

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Little Harrods Tree Decorations, Bombki

£99

Glass, hand-painted ornaments are the epitome of traditional Christmas decorations. The Bombki Little Harrods selection are each classic markers of Christmas: the tree, the bauble, the present, the stocking and, of course, the champagne. Place high enough that the children can’t pick off the tree!

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Bauble Name Place Holders, Nordic House

£12

Laying the table at Christmas is all about the finer details and setting up a beautiful place to eat dinner together. Mark each person’s place with a sweet bauble place holder.

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Ceramic Fox Terrier Hanging Christmas Tree Decoration, The Dandy Dog Company

£11

I came across this porcelain dog decoration while putting together my gifts for pets list. You can also get the ornament personalised with your dog’s name. Definitely a decoration you’ll pop on the tree year after year.

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Dyri Burgundy, 54 Celsius

£27

As much as I love traditional Christmas decorations, I can’t resist this deep purple reindeer candle from 54 Celsius. It’s made from Pyropet wax which means the wax burns away differently to regular candles and it reveals the reindeer skeleton as it goes.

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Personalised Christmas Eve Board, Artsy

£15

Continue the family tradition of leaving a little something out for Santa with this personalised Christmas Eve board. If you leave Santa a bottle of beer or something other than a mince pie, you can personalise this bit too.

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LED String Light Set with Star Topper, Urban Outfitters

£60

Bigger is always better, right? That’s the attitude I’m taking when it comes to the Christmas star this year. These LED lights with a superstar attachment really make a sparkling statement.

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Personalised Velvet Christmas Pom Pom Stocking, We Are Bread & Jam

£60

Add a lavish touch to your mantelpiece with a string of these Christmas stockings. I want to buy just one but the colour options hanging together compliment each other so well.

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Christmas Paper Wreath Craft Kit, May Contain Glitter

£24

With plenty of time indoors on our hands, Christmas crafts are the way forward. Follow the step-by-step instructions and create this beautiful floral leaf from paper flowers.

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Limoncello Bottle Decoration, Liberty London

£13

Liberty London has some really cool and kitsch ornaments, like this Limoncello one, that blend together the traditional hand-made bauble feel with a modern twist.

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Orange & Cinnamon Candle, Manchester Candles

£13

It wouldn’t be Christmas without orange and cinnamon scents wafting through the house. Made from coconut and rapeseed wax, this candle will last longer and burn cleaner.

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Looking to update your wardrobe, buy a gift or treat yourself?

You will find a gorgeous range of jewellery, accessories and clothes on TLM Edit, all hand-picked by The London Mummy.

Octopus Glitter Fabric Tree Decoration, Meri Meri

£8

Have the kids pick out some fun and funky tree decorations from Meri Meri. The shimmering, glitter octopus is my favourite but don’t miss the flamingo, donkey and toadstool.

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Crystal Cluster Fairy Lights, Evie’s Drawer

£23

Classic, crystal lights glow perfectly amongst the festive decor but will also add warmth to the family home all-year-round.

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Festive Spirit Tipple Tray, From The Oak Tree

£35

Give your special tipple pride of place on this solid oak tray. Plus, you can stop worrying about drips on the sideboard or Christmas table cloth.

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Stocking Made With Liberty Fabric, Poppy & Honesty

£35

Hang this lovely hand-made, Liberty print finished, stocking on the end of your child’s bed and fill with sweet treats for them to open on Christmas day.

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Vintage Wooden Box Trio, Bethlehem Baubles

£32

Hand-blown by Muslim artisans and hand-painted by Christians in Bethlehem, these baubles remind us what Christmas is really about. These are truly unique Christmas ornaments to adorn your tree year-on-year.

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Paper Sprout Wreath, Liberty London

£37

Inject some humour in your Christmas decor with this paper sprout wreath that will amuse fans of the festive vegetable.

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Round Christmas Wine & Gold Stag Tablecloth, The Tablecloth Company

£23

Roll with the red and gold on this traditional reindeer tablecloth. Machine-washable, you’ll be able to reuse throughout the festive season.

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Natalie Embroidered Christmas Napkins, Ragged Rose

£20

Impress your dinner guests with these delightful, embroidered dinner napkins. They keep things simple yet sophisticated.

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Winter Scented Ceramic Bell Decorations, The White Company

£20

The White Company’s ‘Winter’ scent is often known as ‘the smell of Christmas’ and these fragrant baubles keep that dreamy smell hanging around throughout the magical season.

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Rattan Deer Head, Cox & Cox

£65

Add an elegant deer head to your seasonal decor to bring a classic Christmas feel to your home this winter.

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Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, style and business recommendations.

For more Christmas content, click here.

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Interiors Spotlight

New Business Spotlight: Shop Stylish & Unique Interiors With Turnbull & Hooch

My brilliant friend Sarah has pivoted from wedding presents to interiors to set up Turnbull & Hooch. Her website is a curated collection of ‘colourful and stylish gifts’ — I’m hoping this means ‘gifts to yourself’ because I’ve been eyeing up lots of the home accessories for around my house!! A lot of the bits would make perfect wedding gifts, so T&H is a good one to keep in mind for occasions, especially if the person you’re buying for is obsessed with quirky and unique interiors!

Use the discount code ‘thelondonmummy’ for 20% off on Turnbull & Hooch.

What do you do?

I run an interiors and gifts website called Turnbull & Hooch. My aim is to source really fun, unique products and hopefully bring a little joy to people and their homes. I have just launched the website that I run from home in a little studio. I’m also planning to do lots of fairs, pop-ups and eventually to have a studio in my barn so people can drop in and see the products.

Large Blue & White Diamond Bowl, £24

White Artichoke Candle Holders, £42

How did it all begin?

I ran a wedding gift list business for many years in London and always had people asking if they could buy pieces from me without a list. When I moved out to Hampshire, I realised I was no longer surrounded by young couples and that there was much more of a market for interiors and lovely gifts. I absolutely love sourcing and finding fun and quirky interiors.

Blue Folding Stool, £48

Round Enamel Green Tray, £40

What is your top parenting tip?

Encourage kids to play independently so you can crack on with admin and housework (and running a business!!)

Striped Rose & Willow Grey Dinner Candles, £15

Yellow Chevron Photo Frame, £24.50

Sarah’s favourites

Restaurant: Off the top of my head, I can’t actually think of one but some fantastic meals seem to come more to mind. My favourite kind of meal is a steak on the BBQ (probably on a beach!). Speaking of beaches… one of the best spots I’ve ever eaten was on a stunning beach on Uist in the Outer Hebrides. My husband and I had a disposable bbq and flame-grilled local-caught crab claws and a steak!!! Heaven!

Hotel: La Fenice B&B in Positano is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. It’s nothing swanky but very laid back and relaxed. It’s family-run with just six beds. Everyone comes round the pool at lunchtime and they offer two choices for lunch: melon & parma ham salad or tuna & mozzarella. It’s all grown at their home which is just above the b&b. It’s also got its own private beach with kayaks for guests. Positano is such a fun place and somewhere I’d love to go back to one day… definitely without the kids though!!

Clothing brand: I do like Wyse London and Gussy and Lou for fun, colourful cashmere jumpers — always a real treat!

Instagram account: London Mummy – it’s so cheesy but The London Mummy was the first Insta account I started following for my own interest rather than a business. You are so refreshingly honest and real.

Blue Stripe Seat Pad, £24

Visit TurnbullAndHooch.co.uk

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.

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Family Life Interiors Products

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Useful Baby Items

There’s the baby stuff you’ll use once and put in the loft, the stuff you pass onto friends, and the bits that stick with you and you use time again with each baby. Having a good clear out is always an uber satisfying process. It also got me thinking if we were to buy again with the beauty of hindsight, what were the items did we use the most and couldn’t have done without?

Psst.. here are 50 things I wish I’d know before having babies

A cot bed

Classic Cot Bed, The White Company

£425

No point buying a normal cot as you will inevitably have to buy a cot bed. ‘What about if and when a sibling comes along?’ Buy another cot bed as the firstborn won’t be out of the original cot bed for a…. long… time.

A travel system

Maclaren Techno XLR, Maclaren

£367

So you can’t tell a first-time mother to buy second-hand because they won’t. (Would you have bought second-hand for your precious firstborn?!) However, you can direct them towards a Maclaren. Maclaren works from the offset as it has a travel system and a newborn adapter so you really can use it from newborn. They are also pretty cool…

A high chair

Bjorn High Chair, BabyBjorn

£205

We were very kindly given this on long-term loan when our second was about 10 months and it lasted till he was about 2.5. Now my daughter is using it and you wouldn’t know that it has gone through 4 children (2 of my friend’s and 2 of mine) – it is still spotless. It is very supportive so you can use it from about 5 months old. The seat extends as your child gets bigger. What I love the most is the detachable tray that makes it easy to clean. We initially bought a vast padded monstrosity with straps that became so skanky and worn we binned it after number 1. Oh, if I had known.

A baby walker

Chicco Walky Talker Walker, Amazon

£85

We bought a static ring of neglect, I mean bouncer, first, but should have just gone straight to this one. You can even feed the baby in it as the activity tray detaches. I was quite sorry to see it go! (If you don’t have the space for anything on wheels, the Jumperoo is the best option for a static one).

A baby carrier

Baby Carrier One, BabyBjorn

£143

We have been the owners of an Ergo, a fabric sling and a backpack carrier (not all at once) but nothing compares to the trusty Bjorn which we always reverted back to. I still have a vivid memory of my husband carrying round my 3-year-old in it (as a joke obvs, but it shows you how sturdy and hard-wearing it is). It is also super snug for a newborn, easy to put on (once you master the technique) and most importantly comfortable. I carried a ‘refluxy’ baby around the kitchen in it for many months and we were both pretty happy for hours on end.

A Phil and Teds buggy

Sporty Inline Buggy, Phil and Teds

£399

After resisting the pressure from most mothers of 2 or more that the Phil and Teds was the only option (as I didn’t want little bean not to have a good view) after trying a number of bulky side by side buggies, with my tail wagging between my legs, we relented and bought the Sport version. Best decision ever. Suits a new baby too with the cocoon. (Doubles up as a brilliant basket for footballs/scooters/buckets and spades when not in full use…)

Hours of entertainment

Playskool Explore N’ Grow Busy Ball Popper, Playskool, Amazon

£80

I posted an article this week on my Facebook Page about fewer toys being better for children. Wish I had read that a while back! One toy that has had all three children amused for hours is the Ball Popper. With a 5, 3 and 1-year-old, it is still a great toy. There are 5 balls, so no ‘mine’ and the music that accompanies it is less grating than most. The battery lasts longer than the average too.

A nappy stacker

Nappy Stacker, The Nursery Window

£49

This is on the expensive side for a nappy stacker but it hasn’t dropped a thread in 5 years of everyday use and is still as pretty as the day we bought it.

A black of blind

Gro Anywhere Blind Moon and Stars, Gro

£24.99

This is a saviour if you are staying with people and don’t want to inflict (lack of) sleep paranoia on your hosts, as it has suckers that stick to anything and the curtain blacks out the light very sufficiently.

A spill-proof beaker

Anywayup Classic Beaker, Haberman

From £4

I have had many a soggy handbag situation from non-leak beakers but this really won’t leak. So much so they are quite hard to take the lid off but totally worth the struggle (and for the price). They also come in green/pink/cow print and with handles.

Second-hand items

Some items you have to buy new (like the above obviously), but some are just as good second-hand. The Buying/Selling/Giving groups on Facebook in each postcode are a simple way to buy locally and a good way to save some £££ (to put towards a much-needed date night!). My house no longer looks like I am a Pantone colour tester for plastics but some of the contraptions will be missed (for a short time at least).

What items did you find useful?

Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best places to pick up baby items.

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Interiors Products Spotlight

Enjoy the Perfect Cup of Tea with Jo Deakin

Jo Deakin China is exactly the reason I started The London Mummy 3.5 years ago. I was always emailing friends about other friends new businesses and so decided to start a central place in which to share my discoveries! So today I wanted to share an interview with mother of 2 Jo Deakin, who has recently launched a beautiful fine china collection.

So, sit back, grab a cuppa and enjoy…. (& once you have finished I have no doubt you will want one of her cups to drink out of!)

What made you start Jo Deakin?

A friend was staying for the weekend who was about to get married and as we talked about the excitements of her wedding list and she mentioned that she would love some lovely contemporary cups and saucers. I had just had my second child and like a lot of mothers, I was ready to engage my brain a lot quicker than with the shell-shocked factor of becoming a new parent!

I had a background in interior design and have always been a huge fan of bright colour, pattern and of course drinking comforting drinks from china! It took a very quick reaction to our friend’s comment from my husband who simply said, “well you could do that, design a new range of cups and mugs…”

That is literally how it began!

What inspired you?

When I think back Ceramics of all forms have been in my life for a long time. From playing with my grandparents’ eclectic collections as a little girl, to working in the ceramics department at an auction house in Edinburgh, to buying my first china jar in a shop off Jerymn Street with my first payslip from my first job in London. I guess it was a relationship that was meant to be!

The opportunity to do something for myself, to re-establish my capabilities as a person, not just as a mother, was a huge inspiration for this collection. However it is incredibly important to me to be able to predominantly work from home as my son is not quite 4 and unable to drive himself home from nursery yet!

Who is your target market?

I would love to think that my target market would be anyone equally passionate as myself about drinking their favourite tea, coffee and everything in between from fine bone china.

I would also like to think they were people who liked to share a quiet moment with friends, family or just on their own to take stock of the moment, breath, slow down and sip, and re-energise for the next leg of the rollercoaster!

Ideally they must also like colour and pattern of course.

How have you juggled motherhood with starting a new business?

That is exactly right, juggling! I have no idea how I have got to this stage of actually launching, apart from determination, excitement for it to work, support from my family and close friends and a really big dose of caffeine!

Any tips for those thinking of embarking on a new venture?

I would 100% say as long as you believe in the product/thing you are thinking of embarking on, and you feel excited every time you think about it, then there is nothing stopping you giving it a go. It is so much better to try than to not know how it could have turned out, and that’s where I am at at the moment.

Jo’s Favourite’s

Shop : I love any treasure trove shop I stumble across that might sell some china bits, everything from Anthropology on the high street to an antiques shop, like the ones we used to visit as children. Broadway and Tetbury, not far from where we live in Worcestershire, have some fantastic choices. I love to walk through William Yeoward (looking not buying!) as their glass is exceptional and I think the experience of being somewhere like Andrew Martin is also really great.

Website : Jo Deakin of course!

Restaurant : I have very special memories of times at J Sheekey’s, La Famiglia and Sexy Fish but actually my husband is obsessed with cooking meat on our new BBQ so having friends at home is one of the best times for food!

Hotel : The Datai in Langkawi is one of the most incredible places I have ever been, including stepping on an enormous lizard on our way back from breakfast!

Holiday destination : The Maldives and Sri Lanka was a trip of a lifetime I will never forget for our honeymoon. Otherwise the south west coast of Portugal and likewise in Cornwall are incredibly close to my heart.

Parenting tip : Try to laugh more than shout!

jodeakin.co.uk

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Family Life Interiors

Olivine Life : Hacks For Small Space Living

When space is limited, practicality often takes precedence over style, but with a few design tricks, storage hacks and a little flair, you can have the best of both worlds. Victoria Gray and Taline Findlater, Founders of Olivine Life have shared their advice on small spaces with us.

Thank you ladies, take it away and enlighten us!

Colour

We love experimenting with colour, but it is important not to forget that lighter colours will give the illusion of space, whereas darker colours will give you a cosier feel. By painting your walls and ceilings a pale colour, the light will bounce around your room more effectively. Try different shades of the same colour to avoid it all looking too severe.

Paint & Paper Library have a clever range of paints that include five shades of the same colour – each with the same tone – so you can’t make any mistakes!

Farrow & Ball also offer guidance readily in their stores on varying shades of white that work well together and complement each other. With these, you can create a seamless transition between skirting, joinery, walls and ceiling, which makes for a more calming space. Having said that, if your space is lacking in natural light, don’t be scared to opt for a deeper colour – it may not give you the illusion of a larger room, but it can give you a warm cosy design that you may find works well for the space.

Layout

When you start to consider the layout of a room, think about who uses it, when they use it and what functional areas you need to include. It may be that your sitting room needs to have a work space or a dining area or even both. When you have mapped out these areas on paper, you can then begin to look more closely at the detail.

Avoid pushing all the furniture in the room against the wall – it limits your design and becomes one dimensional. Pull pieces into your room, for example armchairs, and then anchor a small table or floor lamp alongside, so that it doesn’t look like it’s floating on its own in the room. Look carefully at how you will move through the room and then avoid placing larger pieces in your path.

Storage

In a small space, you need to be practical about storage – make sure it is working hard for you. Less clutter will automatically lead to a calmer living space, and in turn this will make the room feel bigger.

When it comes to furniture, think smart and opt for beds with drawers underneath; side tables with shelving or upholstered rather than hard dining chairs as these can then be used as extra seating in the living room when you have guests over. If built-in shelving is an option for you, make sure it extends to the ceiling – this will draw the eye up and give the illusion of extra height in the room.

A low bookshelf can double up as additional counter space if you need it and shelves hung from the wall will free up more floor space. Don’t forget to make the most of space under a staircase by incorporating a cupboard, or under a window, where you can add a window seat. By making the most of every corner you have, you’ll instantly feel you’ve gained space.

Walls

Wall space is certainly your friend in smaller rooms, so make the most of it! And don’t forget the space above the doors and windows. Mirrors are ideal as they can double the feeling of space, so don’t be afraid to use more than one.

Add more character to the space by adorning your walls with pictures and paintings – group them together in clusters to create drama and impact. When determining where to hang your art, eye level is always the best place to start. If you’re feeling unsure about the layout, it always helps to lay it all out on the floor first before taking out the tool box!

Flooring
You may already have carpet or wooden floors in your space, but you can always add rugs to help mark out functional areas in a room, such as a seating area and a dining area. Rugs also bring colour and texture to the space without impacting too much on the flow of the room.

Ideally, in a sitting room you want the front feet of your sofa just resting on the rug. However, if you can get a bigger rug that sits under all your furniture, you can create the illusion of a much bigger space.

For more information contact Caitriona Roy caitriona_roy@hotmail.com or 07970 164372

olivinelife.com

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Interiors Property Services

Joanna Archer Garden Design : What To Plant In Your Garden Now

When I posted a story on Instagram of myself bewildered at the garden centre, I was delighted when Joanna responded with simple yet gorgeous suggestions of what I could plant in my garden at the moment. So helpful. Especially for a novice like myself. I thought it might be helpful if she would share her expertise, what to plant in your garden now.

Joanna studied Garden Design at the prestigious Inchbald School of Design and is an RHS qualified horticulturalist.

Since setting up her design practice Joanna has designed and built a wide variety of gardens both in London and the country. She works with a select group of hard working landscapers who have a keen eye for detail and carry out the construction with great care. All trees, shrubs and plants are sourced from leading nurseries throughout the South East that deliver to your door. In addition, furniture, pots, lighting and water features are sourced for you so your garden is complete when she leaves.

I am very grateful to hand TLM reins over to Joanna, who can help you get your garden summer ready!

It’s a great time to add instant colour and texture to your borders. Take a good look at where the gaps are and how much sun those areas might get. Then make a shopping list before heading out (don’t get tempted by anything flowering at the garden centre…we’ve all done that, right?!)

Here are some fun combinations to help you get started…and head to www.crocus.co.uk if you prefer shopping online.

SUN LOVING FLOWER POWER

Combine the tall spires of Salvia ‘Caradonna’ with the swaying bells of ‘Penstemon ‘Apple Blossom’.

Cover any gloomy bare soil with a fabulous Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and contrast with the flat-head blooms of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ and Verbena bon.

‘Lollipop’. This long flowering combination will keep your borders full of colour and bees until the Autumn.

The plants are all knee-high so handy for filling up narrow borders or the middle of large flower beds.

A BIT SHADY

For half sunny/half shady areas, try Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmation Series’ for a shot ofpurple in early summer.

Throw in some drifts of Astrantia ‘Buckland’ and edge the border with Alchemilla mollis for some zingy acid green. The Geranium wallichianum ‘Havana’ will be a pretty lilac carpet around the edges.

Towards the back put some Anenome ‘Queen Charlotte’ so you have something to look forward to in the Autumn.

SHADY AND DRY

Don’t despair if you’ve got dry shady gaps under trees and next to walls.

Get to know your ferns, this Polystichum setiferum has beautiful feathery fronds all year round
and is a great back drop to other plants.

For early summer colour combine the delicate Aquilegia ‘Yellow Bonnet’ with Geranium mac. ‘White-Ness’ to brighten up those pokey corners.

The Euphorbia robbiae will be a neon green carpet and looks great with Tulips (if you remember to plant the bulbs in Autumn). Liriope muscari has small purple spires to keep things cheery until the end of the year.

ACCESSORIES

I absolutely love this parasol from the East London Parasol Company. There are so many tempting brollies and some tasselled cushions if they take your fancy.

After you’ve done all that planting, have a sit down on one of these amazing armchairs from Fermob. The chair is £395 and the low table £145. I can’t recommend their furniture enough, it just never ever rusts and you can choose from 24 different colours!

Contact www.barbed.co.uk to place an order, note there’s a 4 week lead time.

Pretty melamine plates are always handy in the garden, this Paint & Petals range is
on sale in Anthropologie now!

Don’t miss these cool outdoor cushions, part of a new collection from Maisons du Monde

Good luck with your garden!

Joanna x

Why not contact Joanna if you have any further questions or want her to pop over to your garden – I have no doubt she will be able to help you!

joannaarchergardendesign.com

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Family Life Interiors Products

How To Decorate for a Magical Easter with John Lewis

This post has been written in collaboration with John Lewis however all opinions are my own.

Christmas decorations are compulsory but when it comes to the second most important celebration in the calendar, Easter – it is deemed optional. Well, it is for me! That was until I decided to step up the job of creating core memories (nothing like a bit of repetition and routine to instil this – don’t ask me about the physiology here though) and invest in some Easter decorations that I can whip out each year. This is how I envisage my Easter table to look…

The obvious choice to buy good quality decorations is John Lewis and I had no doubt there would be a nice display of tasteful decorations of which to choose from. I was right!

Here are my top picks for Easter decorations from John Lewis.

Easter Tree

A great base for decoration that packs a punch and that you can move from room to room is an Easter tree. I love this one – you can move the branches around, put decorations around the base and hang some eggs from the branches.

Cracker Carrots £10

These are very sweet and the bright orange would really add colour to your Easter table whilst also giving the kids an activity to do in the run up.

Eater Bunny Garland £8

Bunnies are one of the symbols of Easter – does anyone know why? and this garland would look lovely above a window.

Vintage Hanging Easter Eggs £8

I really wanted to buy the glass ones, but just can’t risk it. We have a kitten that jumps on the table and children that can get quite wild at times 🙂 so I opted for these ceramics ones that aren’t as delicate but are still as lovely.

Fluffy Chicks £5

These fluffy chicks would work well along a windowsill and won’t cause any harm if they fall off!

Egg Yolk Candles – Set of 3 £6

Wasn’t quite sure of the relevance of sheep other than Easter falling in Springtime, however my NZ mother would appreciate them. Instead I thought the egg yolk candles would make the table look pretty both lit or not.

There was also plenty of options for easter eggs, Easter egg hunts and table linen such as mats, napkins and even egg cups! I quite fancy this wreath. What do you think?

Hope this has given you some ideas. Have a lovely weekend! x

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