Bath Time

I have had a busy, stressful day today - lots of dead lines, lots of running around and the phone has been ringing non-stop. The perfect remedy for days like today is a long, hot soak in a bath tub. Fill the bath almost to the brim with hot, hot water and lots of bubbles, add your favourite bath salts, light a scented candle then lie back and relax. Watch your troubles disappear with the dissipating bubbles!

Scandinavian Kitchen Style

I am a late bloomer and only really found out what blogging was all about six months ago. When I started to check out a few design blogs I came across a lot of very talented Scandinavian blogs. I fell in love with their very simple, clean design lines and their very defined colour palette of white on white with highlights in grey, beige and taupe. When they use colour it is restrained and muted. Their preferred  fabrics are natural and textured - namely wool, cotton and linen with lots of white painted timber. A little bit 'Shabby Chic' in style but with a modern twist. Here are a few images from a couple of great blogs that personify Scandavian style - 'Modern Country' and 'Min Lilla Veranda'. Great images it's just a shame I can't read their blogs!

Spearmint Fresh

There's something very fresh, free spirited and uplifting about 'spearmint'. In terms of fashion, it's a stand out in the crowd kind colour. It's a  great colour for the races or a party when you want something a little more memorable than basic black. When it comes to decorating, I would never be brave enough to paint a whole room spearmint green but a feature wall or a few scatter cushions and some artwork could brighten up even the dullest of rooms!

Happily Ever After

Well today is the big day and I must say I am very excited about spending the evening watching the grandeur of the 'Wedding of the Century' unfold. I'm looking forward to the Royal procession, the dress, the flowers, the bridesmaids and all the other details that go hand in hand with a glamorous royal wedding. I hope that Wills and Kate set their own path and have a long and happy marriage.                         

Images via 'The Alternative Wife' and 'This is Glamorous'

Designers Guild Kids

I have been a big fan of Designers Guild for years. I used to live in London just down the road from their Kings Road Flagship Store and was forever rummaging through baskets, shelves and displays in awe of all the bright colours and bold patterns. It was such an eclectic mix of treasures that was unlike any other store in London. Tricia Guild, single handled changed the way we viewed colour and pattern and gave us the confidence to mix the two in a way which we would never have had the courage to do without her inspiration. I have collected all of the Designers Guild books along the way and believe that she is one of the reasons I was easily able to make a career change from being a fashion designer to an interior designer. I particularly love the kids' range with all of those bright, funky colours and cute prints.

Ralph Lauren - Hamptons Chic

One of my favourite stores in the world is Ralph Lauren on Madison Avenue, New York. I remember first going there in my twenties and being completely blown away by the whole lifestyle concept. It wasn't just fashion and homewares but entire rooms set up with everything from amazing over-the-top floral arrangements, artwork on the walls and food on the table. Dinner parties were set up and it was like the guests had just got up and left, but everything else remained. I was overwhelmed by floor after floor of beautiful homewares, luxury goods, divine fashion and talented styling. I felt like I had been personally invited to wander through Ralph Lauren's own home. I am a big fan of Ralph Lauren's classic elegance in both fashion and homewares and love this very fresh blue and white Hamptons style collection. I love all the layering of prints, patterns and textures that he is famous for.