How would you describe your interior design style?
I would describe my style as eclectic. I love to use furniture and accessories from a variety of styles and periods and mix them up to create an interesting and personal interior space. I love to use an interesting accessory or fabric as a starting point for an interior then work a colour palette and interior plan around it.

From where do you get your influences from?
I would love to say I get my influences from travel, but restricted by time and funds I like to look through travel books and websites with beautiful interiors from around the world, historic houses, details from clothing and colours from fashion. Sometimes, just a pattern on a tile or fabric swatch can make you think about how that could be translated into a complete interior.

How do you make a house a home?
By drawing on the owner’s personal mementos and photographs you can transform an anonymous and generic space, no matter how lovely that can be, into a space that becomes an extension of their personality and somewhere they can emotionally connect with. There’s a fine line between a home with personality and a house with filled with clutter, but by selecting key pieces you can make a space feel like home.

How do you add personality to a room without adding clutter?
Be selective with your choice. Hang photographs and pictures on walls rather than cluttering surfaces; this will also help to create a feature. Choose select items to decorate, keep day-to-day living bits like paperwork in one place and ideally in a storage box (it’ll be easier to find that way too!). Have a life laundry every now again, you might not need everything you’ve collected over the years, and only have an emotional connection to a few items. If areas are gathering dust and clutter then decide what’s necessary and get rid of the rest.

How would you advise arranging furniture in a small front room?
Firstly, always choose furniture that is the correct proportion for the room. Often small rooms get filled with oversized sofas and armchairs that are chosen for comfort but without thought for the space. Keep wall and floor colours to light and pale shades, anything too bright, dark or patterned will only make the room feel smaller. Use cushions and accessories to add colour and detail. Light up corners to maximise the size of the room, so if you can’t squeeze in a side table then use a slim floor standing lamp to give atmospheric and soft lighting. Never block windows or doorways with furniture if you can help it. 

Is it true that most people still have the TV as the main focal point in a front room? How can you avoid it?
Yes, I think most people centre their focal point towards the TV; homes have to be practical not unrealistic. I think it’s pointless denying the reality of what most living rooms are used for, watching TV, playing computer games and so on, but I think you can find a happy medium. If you can house the TV in a cabinet then at least it can be out of sight when it’s not in use. Or choose a TV stand that works with the rest of the room. Use other focal points in the room to draw attention away from the TV by using wallpaper, colour and accessories. Also, buy a television that is proportionate with the size of the room, not all rooms need to be cinemas, and like with the furniture, it’s always best to be modest with size so the screen is not too dominating.

What’s the best way to choose a colour to paint a room?
Think about how much light you’ll get in the room and which way the room is facing. A north-facing room will be coldest, so try and stay clear of cold colours. Think about what the room will be used for. Don’t go for anything too bright and bold if you want something relaxing and calming, strong colours can always come from furnishings and accessories.

Always choose a colour you like and are drawn to but decide if it should be used in a small quantity, for example, a painted piece of furniture if it’s a strong colour, and combine with paler and neutral shades to create a harmonious space. Wallpaper can work well when combined with a paint colour; use it on a couple of walls then take a colour from the paper for the remaining walls.

Think about woodwork too, make a feature of traditional details in period properties by using a slightly darker colour eggshell to compliment the walls. Painted ceilings should be kept to white to reflect light and to emphasise height.

If you have furnishings and furniture already then look to work with those as a basis for choosing the right colour.

Do you advise people to follow design trends or stick to traditional looks? Is it ok to mix old and new?
Your home should reflect you, so if you’re interested in the latest trend and want to reflect that then choose pieces that are of the moment, but, as always, it’s about balance and about being selective in your choice. By keeping the background materials simple like wall and floors, it will allow you to play with accessories, fabrics and lighting – and won’t be too expensive to replace if you get tired of them. I would always advise clients to choose classic materials for the expensive elements for fear of regret, then as your taste changes you’ll always have a versatile space for experimenting.

Think about your type of property and what will compliment it. A period property can look great with modern and eclectic pieces but the structure should be classic to allow those pieces to be shine through.

What are your final top tips for styling and decorating a living room space? 
Keep the background simple, then use textures, colour and lighting for interest, but, ultimately, create a space that you can really connect with. Don’t be scared of mixing fabrics, decorative pieces and furniture, but think of the overall balance of the room.

Create focal points with colour and pattern, and compliment with colourful details to draw the scheme together whilst considering balance of materials to make the space interesting.

Lizzie has over 10 years’ experience in the industry and consults on design solutions to create beautiful and inspirational homes. If you’d like to contact Lizzie, visit www.lizziechambers.com.

All Images via Lizzie Chamber’s website..

For starters, they can be pulled back fully to reveal as much window as possible so that every little bit of that precious summer light can flood in.  And when temperatures rise (as they will!) and you thow open the window, there is nothing to stop those cooling summer breezes to waft through the house.  They can even bring the garden in, if you choose something like this lovely Laura Ashley design.

They are also very handy for controlling the light in summer.  Yes, there is such a thing as too much sun when it’s fading the sofa and preventing you from seeing your computer screen.  That’s when venetian blinds or plantation shutters come into their own.  The angle of the slats can be angled to direct the light without depriving you of the sun altogether and the added bonus is those beautiful shadows.

They are also more economical than yards of fabric.  Especially if you have large windows to dress and you still want some light control and privacy.  The blinds below are all individual for each pane of glass which is a brilliant solution to a large expanse of glass.

They can also set the scene for some very evocative interior schemes.  The Bali blinds below look sensational in a conservatory (where lets face it you definitely will need blinds) with dark woods and asian inspired accessories.

Broom has been commissioned by Louboutin to design the new shop, now officially open in London’s most famous department store. The space draws inspiration from iconic landmarks throughout the city whilst featuring signature pieces from Lee Broom’s collections. Broom’s design for the space captures the iconic Louboutin sensibility while adding a quintessentially British twist.

Louboutin and Lee Broom, what else can a girl ask for!

Where to start

A fail-safe route that guarantees spring bulb triumph is to plant them at peak times. The bulbs should preferably be placed in the garden prior to any ground-freezing frost as this will allow the bulbs to root and institute themselves just in time for summer. However, gardeners must beware planting their bulbs too early as a premature start can lead to disease and fungal glitches. Over the years, many have found that a good principle to follow is to plant bulbs when the average evening temperature is around  40- to 50°F (4-10°C) .

For some, spring will come around quicker than anticipated, meaning the optimal time for planting bulbs has long since passed. This shouldn’t mean leaving previously purchased bulbs dormant in the garage though. Bulbs are different to packets of seeds and more often than not they won’t survive a year out of the ground.  You are therefore better off taking your chances.

Plant a bed of spring bulbs

Bulbs are reliant on good soil conditions and organic matter must replace heavy clay. There are two ways to plant the bulbs – either individually in single holes or altogether in a wider hole. The hole should be two to four times deeper than the bulbs and they should be placed in the soil with the pointed tip facing upwards.

Once in place, cover the bulbs with soil taking great care not to damage the tips. Cover the entire area with chicken wire – this will prevent animals from destroying the bulbs – but remove as soon as the first shoot shows to let the bulbs bloom.

Spring plants for all ages

Many flowering bulbs will reproduce and bloom for years to come with minimum care. This makes them a good option for the elderly gardener and McCarthy & Stone are currently working on similar styles with award winning gardeners to create a space that celebrates later life.

As Award Winning Retirement Home builders, McCarthy & Stone have plenty of experience in catering to the needs of the older population so if you’re interested in achieving a vibrant garden, whatever your age, why not take inspiration from their progress?

All images are from Better Homes & Gardens.

After a tasty brunch courtesy of Crepe Affaire, we dived into the market to check out the wide variety of handmade items on sale.  Here I met three regular stall holders, working in different media.

Wall birds by Anna Wiscombe

Lullabaloo birds by Anna Wiscombe

From her studio in London, Anna Wiscombe designs and makes wooden products for the home and some jewellery, using sustainably sourced wood. Birds are a recurring theme, inspired by her childhood spent in the Dorset countryside. I couldn’t resist picking up one of her characterful painted oak wall birds.

Utensils by Anna Wiscombe

She also has a new range of pale wooden kitchen utensils, decorated with a delicate pattern on each handle which reminds me of childhood binker embroidery.

Bone china tea cups by Julie Spurgeon

Hanging china birds by Julie Spurgeon

Ceramicist Julie Spurgeon of Material Pleasures hand makes quirky, crinkly-edged bone china cups and saucers in pastel shades.  Their wavy edges and pleated detailing is reminiscent of cupcake liners.   She also makes cute bone china sugar mice and hanging ornaments, such as these birds.

Peg bag by Lizzie Searle

Lizzie Searle is a textile designer working with applique and free machine embroidery to produce colourful and cheerful textile items.  These pretty peg bags and beach huts tea towels caught my eye.  ”I love to create products that brighten your day” says Lizzie.

Beach huts tea towels by Lizzie Searle

Designers / Makers also has an online shop, so if you can’t make it to the market, you can still pick up a unique handmade piece.

Designers / Makers market is on every third Saturday of the month, 11-5pm.

For those not familiar, OCHRE specialises in beautiful designs for furniture, lighting and accessories for the interior. Their designs place equal importance on harmonious proportions, luxurious materials and matchless craftsmanship.

British designers Joanna Bibby and Harriet Maxwell Macdonald, founded OCHRE in 1996. Solenne became the third partner and fellow designer four years later.

Here Solenne talks to us about her inspirations.

When did you realise you had a passion for design?
When I was 13, I originally wanted to be a fashion designer but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I trained as a theatre designer in London and then discovered a passion for furniture whilst being asked to produce a dining table at the National Theatre. I realised that it bothered me working all over and not finishing the product completely. After that, I focused on furniture and lighting.

Where do your inspirations come from?
To design Ochre products, it is a collaboration with my business partners Joanna Bibby and Harriet Maxwell Macdonald. Our inspiration come from textures mainly. We get excited in using and mixing raw materials and true shapes.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlights have been first of all to become a recognised design company but also to have opened showrooms in London and New York.

What famous designers do you admire/inspires you the most?
My favourite designers are Alex Vervoordt, Oliver Gustav, Thomas Heatherwick

What words would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate, determined, straight forward, faithful, and positive

What 5 things couldn’t you live without?
I don’t get too attached to my belongings so there is nothing I can’t separate myself from. However I would be upset to lose some of my art work and precious jewellery.

Where do you like to shop for your home?
The flee markets and abroad. I like to find something with a soul. And to bring something back from my travels. If I buy new it would have to be Ochre, the rest has to be second hand or made for me.

What does the future hold for Ochre?
Hopefully our work will carry on to be noticed worldwide, and further afield. We are also looking forward to spending time designing more things and broaden our collection to other type of products.

Images 1 & 2 are taken by Ditte isager. Images 3, 4 & 5 are taken by Stephen Clement.

If you are not familiar with her work then I suggest you take a peek at her portfolio because it is simply gorgeous. We had the pleasure of working with Rosie on a photo shoot a few weeks back, so you will be able to see her work in the Summer issue out in June. Until then enjoy these images…

Founder Isa Maria Seminega was inspired to set up Happy Piece after meeting the women at Aspire. They needed a platform through which to sell their wares and Isa Maria was keen to bring them to the attention of the world, filling a gap in the market by providing eco-friendly, yet colourful and bright  products.

Each ‘Happy Piece’ is made using sustainable materials such as sisal and are available through the website, www.happypiece.com 

All profits go towards helping the women of Rwanda rebuild their lives after the tragic genocide that has dominated the country’s recent history.  Buy a piece today and ensure their future is bright and happy.

Images courtesy of Happy Piece.

Made using the very best linen union cloth, sourced and made in England, Rory’s illustration’s are screenprinted by hand onto the tea towel and napkin cloth.

With 9 tea towel designs to choose from and 6 napkin designs we really are spoilt for choice and just want them all!

Terrific Tea Towel collection selling at £14.00 each and Notorious Napkin collection selling at £8.50 each.

Photography Francois Kong.

If you would like to request a catalogue you can on the BODIE and FOU website.

May 2012 saw the opening of the Mariska Meijers flagship store in the heart of Amsterdam. This vibrant and ultra-chic boutique is located on the Singel canal bank in the trendy ‘9 Streets’ district. Housed in a 17^th century building it encapsulates the eclectic energy and creative soul of the area as well as the artist herself. The shop spills over with Mariska Meijers’ own collections as well as a range of hand-selected vintage and designs pieces that are also for sale.

We cannot wait to pay Mariska a visit.

This collection encompasses tableware, soft furnishings, decorative wall prints and lampshades. Rory has been excited to launch his homeware for a while adding “I’ve been planning this collection since I was a child buying interior magazines with my pocket money; it’s great to see it finally become true!”

True passion is infectious and we are absolutely loving the products he is stocking.  We think they will appeal to both sexes in equal measure so it’s no surprise to learn that Rory has been a fashion designer for many years and is well known for his

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mens neckwear collection which was launched by Fortnum and Mason in February of this year.

We wish him every success in his new venture.

They generally believe in the beauty of simplicity and the aesthetic of great design, whether that be in a pattern or a special feature, so products have been chosen for their quality, design and interest.

There is a strong reference to nature, the use of raw materials and traditional craftsmanship. On the website the tactical goods are arranged by material; glass/minerals, fibres and metals, and beautifully photographed by Emma Job and David Abrahams.

Fate London will be popping up at Dalston Department Store next weekend where all of the goods will be available to see and buy as well as exclusive offers and new collections not yet in the store.

Dalston Department Store,  Star House, 2 Richmond Road. London. E8 3HY.

Friday 17th & Saturday 18th May 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday 19th May 11:00 – 17:00

Why not pop along?

[*swoon* *clunk*]

[Wisteria, schmisteria...have you seen that swirly topknot on those gates?]

[have you looked where you're standing first?]

[This registered a 9 on the ouf-o-meter]

 And which will withstand generations.

To bring it into this generation and work the industrial luxe feel, try incorporating old ironwork found in brocantes quietly into the home.  French style is made up a lot of  the have-something-will-use-it way of creating.

Recently I spent some time wandering around the French Quarter of New Orleans and  realised that putting the French into the Quarter was partly due the ornate ironwork balconies linking buildings, defining boundaries.

It had a beautiful familiarity to. The real difference being between the two, was that I could definitely look up whilst walking.  Without a care in the world of where my feet wandered.

How very unFrench indeed.

She makes rag dolls and stuffed mohair animals which she wanted to share.  As soon as we saw them we wanted to share too.

Available from Elena’s Etsy shop Lelelerele Handmade.

Alongside the products for sale customers have the opportunity to find out about the stories and making processes behind the homewares and gifts they are buying and the people who made them.  Interviews with the designers involved can be found on the website, studio photo stories and Best of British features. “We want our customers to know as much about the product as possible before buying it and we want to give our suppliers a platform to tell their story as well as sell”.

Dereks shop is named after a very cool Derek, Katy Parkes great friend who lives with severe Parkinson’s. 5 % of the websites annual profits will be donated to Parkinson’s UK to fund much needed research, care and support. 
Dereks was set up in 2012 by Katy Parkes, Tori Chitty, White Wave Web Solutions, Tom Page and Big Cartel.

The trick is to choose basics, like the bed and furniture, that will grow with the little darlings and see them through from the terrible two’s to the even more terrible teens.  Which is why we are bowled over by the ranges available at Feather and Black.

Chunky, solid wood that is built to last and will provide the basis for whatever decorating trend is current.  We love the darker shades of wood.  So grown up!

Just add colour with soft furnishing and you can change from tots to teens in a jiffy.

Since 2011 Sam has been designing stationery, accessories, kitchen and homewares under her own label, with everything made in the UK.

You can see Sam’s love of mid-century design in her work, which features organic and geometric forms and of course lots of wonderful colour. Most of her designs start off being drawn by hand, which gives them a great energy.

As well as running her own business Sam is co-founder of the Handmade Makers Market, a prolific blogger, and according to her website is a dab-hand at diving and ballet!

You can buy Sam’s products from her online shop and also from selected retailers. You can also check out her website, follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Kangan Arora Kites cushion

This colourful Kites cushion from Kangan Arora is inspired by the site of hundreds of paper kites which are traditionally flown at the Uttarayan Festival in Gujarat, northern India.  The festival marks the end of winter in the Hindu calendar, and this seems equally worth celebrating in the UK!

Juniper Slice trivets by Lotte Cole

Lotte Cole’s great, great grandfather created a forest in Sweden 300 years ago, which her father now manages.   Lotte learnt how to make things from wood as a child, and now uses the wood from her family’s forest to create contemporary products for the home.  This Juniper Slice trivet is made of Juniper wood.  The bark is peeled, it is sanded, hand-painted and finished in her London studio.

Linda Bloomfield teapot for Royal Albert Hall

London potter Linda Bloomfield will be launching her new range of tableware designed specially for the new cafe at the Royal Albert Hall – opening this month.  The range includes hand-thrown bone china cups and jugs with a matt satin glaze on the outside, and coloured glazes to the interior.  The grey, turquoise and green colours are reminiscent of midcentury modern design.  Other items, such as this chubby bone china teapot, were designed by Bloomfield to look and feel similar to her hand-thrown pieces, but are manufactured in Stoke-on-Trent.

Roddy & Ginger Asparagus chopping board

Designer and illustrator Virginia Armstrong is the talent behind product company Roddy & Ginger.  She describes her style as retro, scandi, folk-inspired.  This Asparagus chopping board is part of a new range of boards and trays handcrafted in small batches in Sweden from hard, pressed wood.  The chopping boards are heat resistant, and have a wipe clean surface, so they are practical, but definitely not boring!