Holidays Are Coming

I can't believe it's nearly Christmas already. The months go by so fast, however I'm definitely not complaining! I love, love, love Christmas even more so as an adult then was growing up, strange hey. The list of things of which I love at Christmas is way too long to type. But as an adult even without children , there is so much to enjoy. For me it starts with the wonderful inspiration of gifts and interiors in window displays and magazines. This is what is to blame for thinking about Christmas in October!

Next comes the Christmas brochures in the post (Graham & Green's arrived today). So I start to actually think more about what gifts to buy people.

Then before I know it the countdown to Christmas day has begun!

The one thing however I don't really get into, is sending cards. I'm tempted because the card designs around at Christmas are amazing. However a little voice in my head tells me its a waste of trees when I could just wish some one a nice Christmas in person. Also which let me tell you I'm a bit ashamed to admit, it also cuts down on the amount of tacky card I receive and have to display!

So seeing as this is my first of many Christmas posts, I thought I'd share with you some Christmas related images. I find even looking at images like the one shown below reminds me of the extravagance and luxury that surrounds Christmas.

I am still feeling slightly guilty about my admission of not liking to display or receive tacky cheap Christmas cards, please tell me some of you feel the same on this!

Devine Interior Design: Late 1800's Stockholm Apartment

In the sought after location of Stockholm lies this charming apartment that dates back to 1899, the owners have done a more than impressive job of creating a harmonious balance. Retaining the traditional Swedish features while keeping the interior design, contemporary.

Throughout the apartment the parquet flooring seems to give a warmth and depth, especially so in the elegant hallway that leads onto a balcony. The walls painted a warmer tone to compliment the flooring.

The balcony isn't to my taste however the painted mural is a wonderful idea when there is no view to speak of. The potted purple and blue heather's also add a relaxed atmosphere to the space. It is however lacking some colour or a few quirky accessories for myself.



This is where the apartment seems to really come into it's own, such wonderful key iconic pieces and a lot of natural light.



But it doesn't end there, far from it. This Kakelugn (Traditional Swedish stove) makes me jealous that I don't actually live in Sweden. They are popular in Swedish homes however this has to be my ultimate favourite. A perfect statement for the room.





This is the inner lounge, ah what it is to be Swedish! The star parquet flooring, the panelling, the amazing ceiling makes this room shine with or without furniture really! However the simple central black and white furniture works with the period features wonderfully.

The typical red and white Scandinavian kitchen almost doesn't seem part of the same apartment. However it has a sense of being tucked away which creates a homely feel especially with the black range and the small but perfectly formed seating area.

I think this bedroom speaks for itself really. The light fixture really gives a sense of the ceiling height and also highlights the understated simplicity of the room.

Last but definitely not least is the bathroom. A very green bathroom. The tiling reminds me of something you would find in a Fired Earth brochure.

I have to say I would love to visit this apartment and have a better nosey around! I'm sure being in the apartment would be a lot more impressive with the amount of sheer natural light and the impressive high ceilings.

Ahhh if only it was let out for holidays then I would be tempted!

Artist Spotlight: Joy Deangdeelert Cho

Joy is one busy lady it seems, with an amazing stationary line, a daily updated insightful design blog , a scrumptious food blog plus designing wedding invites and working for clients such as Urban Outfitters and Tiny Prints. I just really don't know how she does it, she seems to do amazingly in all areas. This girl has multi-tasking as her default setting it seems!

However her notebooks in particular amaze me, but how could they not seeing as I am slightly addicted to lovely detailed notebooks, journals and anything else that comes under stationary.

These would make perfect Christmas presents, wrapped up in brown paper with a fabulous red ribbon and a few mini baubles! Ok, maybe I'm getting slightly carried away but it's only because I want to buy them all up.

Joy's Shop
{I just love the design of each individual notebook and of course the scalloped edges are a perfect touch.}

PS. I seem to have Christmas on the brain at the moment. I went shopping in Manchester last week and all the big high street brands had all there Christmas displays done and dusted...it all looks so magical, but also so wrong! I have to keep reminding myself its only October... but then I know all the Christmas magazine issues will be out before the month has even ended. It's a vicious cycle!

So unfortunately expect more mentions of Christmas here and there. x

Top 6: October

It is ashame my birthday is 7 months away..however I suppose Christmas is fast approaching and any one of these items would be wonderful. However I don't think I will be able to wait for the Touch Eclat..if you use it, you will know what I mean. When I get to my last click I actually get sad!

Also aren't the bird vases lovely, I love almost everything by Graham & Green. I would love a collection of the vases all grouped together on my window sill. Maybe I will have to show my other half this!
I could just imagine them all wrapped up beautifully on Christmas morning. Am I asking too much from my fiance?

1.Touch Éclat by YSL 2.Bird Vases by Graham & Green 3.Coco Mademoiselle Perfume by Chanel 4.Steve Madden 'Trinite' Shoes 5.Kartell Bourgie table lamp 6.Bird earrings by Lladró

{All links will open in a new window.}

Devine Interior Design: Edwardian Terraced House

The minute I found this lovely house on the Internet, I had to post it. I really do love Edwardian properties..similar to Victorian houses but the features seem simpler and less 'heavy', also I love large hallways with the wider staircase, which Edwardian homes seem to have.

The main living area doesn't really seem to follow any style but maybe that is what I like about it so much. That and the wonderful mirrored alcoves, they have to be my favourite part of the. I love the fact that they are to the floor, as many alcoves include storage of some kind so the mirrors only go half way. Also I love how there is a tint to the mirrors. Just beautiful.



I have to say I am unsure about the mirror above. The sizing of it and placing it opposite the lovely original window is perfect, but the style seems abit to harsh for the interior. However the Eames rocker is lovely paired with the floating shelf.



Oh how I love this kitchen! The stainless steel worktops are a wonderful contrast to the original flooring and lovely wooden Tam Tam stools really give it a more personal edge. The lighting is quirky but understated, all round I think this is a simple elegant kitchen that obviously doesn't take the main focus of the house.



The bedroom is simplistic also, which seems to be a theme of the house. With some kind of circular accessory or piece of furniture, whether that be a rug or the table in the kitchen. Also a darker item seems to give a focal point to each room.



The bathroom does seem limited for space, however the wall hung basin and toilet work well in keeping the floor clear. I also love the fact there are built-in mirrors opposite each other, which will definitely give a sense of infinity when you look into them. However for me personally the bathroom does lack colour, it would be lovely to see abit of lime in there!



This workshop has to be my favourite part of the entire house, the fact that it hardly looks like a workshop and has a mezzanine floor and a beautiful fireplace amazes me.

To be honest..this is a home I wouldn't normally go for, however the over all effect seems to leave you calm and relaxed. Its got personality but not overly so. You can just tell a lot of thought and design has gone into this home - Which is the main thing that I love.

Spend or Splurge: Lighting

£230 Rothschild & Bickers

£100 Laura Ashley

When I first saw the new Bryony glass pendant I was surprised to see that it was by Laura Ashley and also how it reminded me of the Tassel Light by Rothschild & Bickers which I've had my eye on for awhile.
The colour and clarify is far superior to the Laura Ashley version, however there is a £130 price difference.

I am undecided on which I would go for.
I could see the Bryony pendant working on its own maybe in a living room or hallway against a lovely matt charcoal wall.
However I could also see a collection of 4 tassel lights in a high ceiling'd chic kitchen. Which would odvoiusly be more expensive, but a real focal point to the room.

What do you think, which one would you pick?

Devine Interior Design: The Bold and the Beautiful

I have yet to come to terms with it being October and therefore cold. I'm still wearing dresses without a scarf and I'm still in pumps and high heels. I know its madness, so I have decided to carry on the madness and post some wonderfully bright interiors that you would normally associate with summer!

I do tend to embrace winter for its infrequent crisp mornings and warm nights in front of the fire (trying to defrost). But in all seriousness once Halloween is around the corner and I'm thinking about starting my Christmas shopping I will probably be as happy as larry snuggled in my favourite Wallace Sacks throw.

So here are sadly my last bright cheery colour filled interiors for awhile.

(There is something amazing about white plastered walls in summer, the light just bounces off them and fills the room just like in this interior.)

(This isn't really my normal style but I love the mixture of classic pieces, like the Eames lounge chair to the left and the Louis Ghost chair on the right.)

(This interior isn't necessarily bright over all but the over sized turquoise rug and the statement sofa by Squint really do add interest to this room.)

(The painted charcoal wall is really an anchor for this room making the lovely vibrant yellow bedside tables from Ikea really 'pop'. Fun and cheerful.)

Ps. I going to be having a bit of a busy week next week, but I'm going to make sure I write at least one post so I can just hit 'Publish Post'. I will also be guest blogging and going to a design show mid October which I'm both equally really excited about so hopefully by that time I will be embracing the weather more and blogging in my leg warmers!

If you have any tips for me on how to enjoy the fast approaching English winter I would be very grateful. x.