bathroom inspiration




Ive talked a lot about bathroom inspiration & planning but today we are going to look into making the most out of the smaller down stairs cloakroom space. After all this is the space your visitors will see.
Its all about keeping it simple yet effective. Wall hung sanitry ware works well for a contemporary feel & makes the most of the small space you have & makes it an easier area to keep clean too. Another clever idea is to opt for corner WC or sink solutions to utilise the space. If you have no space for a towel rail how about choosing a sink that incorporates one underneath.

Galerie Optimise suite from Twyford Bathrooms | 10 of the best cloakroom suites | cloakroom ideas | bathroom ideas | housetohome
























However if the minamilistic look isnt for you & you want plenty of storage then built in furniture designed especially to make the most of your space is the answer. Narrow cupboard spaces are great for stashing away spare toilet rolls or cleaning products to keep things clutter free & is also a great for hiding unsightly pipework too.

10 of the best cloakroom suites | cloakroom ideas | bathroom ideas | housetohome


Make your small space chic & stylish for visitors with some funky tiles for the basin splash back. Mosiacs can be expensive when tiling a whole bathroom but make a real statement if used in a specific area. Wallpaper is a great alternative to tiling unlike the bathroom this space isnt likely to get steamed up so no worries about paper peeling from the walls. Choose  stylish accessories like a mirror with lights or even a piece of artwork to jazz up the walls, or how about this quirky blind below to make a real focal point to your space.

Fun window blind | Cloakroom design ideas | PHOTO GALLERY | Livingetc | housetohome.co.uk
 

Dream Homes

A warm welcome today to the very talented Kristy Swain who has popped in to answer a few questions for us. I have been following Kristy for some time here on blog land & totally adore her work so I am very excited to have her here with us today for my dream homes series.


I'm thrilled that Sarah invited me to be part of her series. I'm an interior designer in Austin, TX and I blog .
over at Hyphen Interiors

Wedding-006-2


1. What inspires you as a designer when creating a space for someone else?
I am inspired by so much. It may be just driving down the street and a particular scene makes me stop dead in my tracks and stare, and then start to put a space together in my head based on the colors or textures in the scene. I'm also inspired by show rooms and magazines at times, but probably even more so by blogs and Pinterest. It's such a great daily source of inspiration. image

Some of my favorite designers are Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, and Sarah Richardson.
The spaces  below are in that order, by each of those designers
image image image

However, I do agree with Sarah at Modern Country Style - too much inspiration can muddy my vision. I like so many styles and that can be an issue. Part of my job is editing what is good down into something that is great and perfect for that space. so it's important to know what direction you want to go and not muddy the water too much.

2. Would you say you have a signature taste when creating spaces? I'd call my personal taste eclectic. I like a mixture of things. Right now, I love rustic chic designs where you mix rustic country elements with metal industrial and glam chic. However, it really depends on my mood and what inspiration I had that day. I love and appreciate so many styles. But, in the end, I almost always mix at least a couple of styles. I feel it adds warmth and character and more of a collected feel. I also like a simple uncluttered look in a room, as I'm a person who needs that in order to feel like I can dream and be productive. I love color and pattern. I have tried to have monochromatic rooms in my home and inevitably, I must add color. I just
feel blah without it.
 image

I also love a touch of the unexpected. Isn't that yellow island unexpected yet awesome!

image

 3. What interior items are on your 'I want' list?
I'm practical. So, I read this as what do I feel like I need to finish up spaces in my home. Right now, in my own home, I'm looking for some good (but inexpensive) preserved boxwood topiaries for my dining table. I just couldn't keep the succulents I had alive! So, I'm going the preserved route. I love to see some plants (preferably live) in a space. It makes a big impact. I also need to find just the right rug for our office, maybe sheepskin. I'm not certain yet. The shape of the room makes it tricky, so an organic shape seems best. One other thing that I want for sure and we just have to find time to go across town and order is a large piece of acrylic to make a giant white board with for my husband's office. We had this at our last house, but left it for the new owners due to how fragile it is to move. Loved it. So, we're doing it again at this house!

image

4. Tell us a bit about what would be your dream home and what would be the key elements to making it perfect for you?
I think of this in terms of both style and what I would change about my current home. I love our current home (we just moved in 6 months ago after relocating from Phoenix) in Austin. However, I am not a fan of the kitchen tile. It's not quite neutral enough for me and forces us to bring in warmer tones. So, I'd change that - my dream home would have neutral tile in bathrooms, but wood throughout all other areas. My dream home would also have a huge sink in the laundry room and lots of countertop space. We had that in
Phoenix, but not here.
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My dream home would definitely have tons of molding and trim. I am such a sucker for that - give me all the window trim, wainscoting, wall panels, and board and batten that you can! Bring it on! My dream home would have a pool. We had a pool in Phoenix and we miss it. My dream home would be warm, welcoming and comfortable. It doesn't have to be large, as long as the common spaces are able to easily hold guests
and the layout works for us.
 image

Thanks for having me, Sarah!
 

colour inspiration



Today I thought we would look at some soft, creamy, neutral tones & thier calming feel.
You cant go wrong with a comfortable soft pallette like this, less stark than white with an almost dreamy like feel. Perfect for a bathroom or bedroom space where you want to relax & unwind.
There is nothing boring about creams & beiges by any means. These tones look fantastic in the bathroom against natural element's like stone or wood bringing us back to the calmness of nature.









In the bedroom soft fur throws, fresh cottens & comfy wools in soft tones of creams & beiges have a really relaxed & theraputic feeling to them. The bed below just sings comfort.



This living area in its soft cream colour pallatte with the beautiful stone fireplace just & exposed wood beams just looks so comfortable & inviting. Again a perfect example of neutral tones working together with natural elements.  



                   Thanks to our friends over at Elle Decor for the images

 

kitchen inspiration

Its all about the sexy curves in all the right places with this contemporary white kitchen. The bespoke designed island unit makes an incredible impression in this well designed family space. It really does have the wow factor. I'm a real fan of curvy gloss cabinets & love incorporating them into designs.
It's a very light & airy space which is really opened up with the large sliding doors out to a rather magnificient looking garden. A space like this would be perfect for me, functional & beautifully streamlined (oh maybe one day)

Unique modern white kitchen | Modern kitchen ideas | Beautiful Kitchens | Housetohome
 

bedroom inspiration

Create this boutique style bedroom:-
This bedroom was designed by Interior design student Georgie Posthelwaithe & this space really does say hotel chic. The soft dusky pink walls against the grey & navy gives a very luxurious & sophisticated feel.
                                                                                                         Tips:-
Get a boutique bedroom for less with HomeSense | Bedroom ideas | Housetohome.co.uk1. Most important a big comfy bed is key with a large statement headboard.

2. A false wallpapered wall behind the bed is a great alternative feature from a headboard.

3. Choose statement accessories, matching table lamps & an eye catching piece of art work.

4. Have built in wardrobes, you can match in streamlined fitted furniture or opt for individual pieces but include matching side cabinets.

5. Dress up plain bedlinen with luxurious cushions & throws.

6. opt for luxurious & sophisticated colour schemes, black & white schemes with golds or reds, more muted greys & silvers with soft pastles or neutral brown tones enriched with golds.

 here is some inspiration from 'House To Home' ..........
Boutique hotel-style bedroom | Decorating with monochrome style | Ideal Home | Housetohome

Chic grey bedroom | Bedroom ideas | Image | Housetohome

Classic master bedroom | Modern bedroom | Bedroom ideas

Hotel-style bedroom HG - housetohome


                                                                                    
                                                                         
 

Dream Homes

Morning everyone & welcome to the first in my new series on 'Dream Homes' where we chat to my favourite designers & stylish bloggers about thier personal style & taste in interiors & what thier 'DREAM HOME' would be like, so let me introduce our first guest the lovely Sarah
                                from Modern Country Style


1. what & who inspire you most in interiors?
 In terms of who inspires me at the moment, I really like the work of
interior designer Eoin Lyons. I only discovered him recently and he
isn't terribly well-known so I feel I've unearthed a bit of a treasure!
And know the 'what': I love browsing through magazines and paint charts
(crazy, I know!). But sometimes I actually find that too much
inspiration can cloud my thoughts. If that happens then I have a
collection of well-loved interiors books that always bring me back to
where I want to be!



2. what is your personal style taste or is it very varied?

 My personal taste is very definitely Modern Country but this does
allow for quite a lot of movement within it. Some days, I'm more drawn
to the muted feel of the modern end, while on others, I want to revel in
country florals! The trick is trying to combine both so that I feel
utterly happy everywhere I look!




3.what interior items are on your 'I want' list?
 Definitely a tv cabinet to hide away all the paraphenalia that goes
with having the latest technology! We're curently having one made to our
specifications bevause it needs to fit into an exact space. I'm so
excited to see the difference it makes to our living space!


 4. Tell us about what would be your dream home?

My dream home is less about the look and more about the feel -
welcoming and warm. Spacious yet cosy. And, of course, decorated
perfectly from top to toe in Modern Country Style!!!


http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.co.uk/





 

colour inspiration

Citrus, Grey And White

A little friday colour mish mash to get you inspired. Teamed together neutral cool tones of grey with zesty citrus & bright white for a contemporary feel. These folksy inspired scatter cushions in both spaces really work well in these shades.
Citrus and grey living room | Country decorating ideas | Country Homes & Interiors | Housetohome

Citrus and grey bedroom | Country decorating ideas | Country Homes & Interiors | Housetohome

Dont forget to pop in Monday when we have guest Sarah from Modern country Style sharing what inspires & what her dream home would be like.......
 

Designing a Home Office

Built-in home office | Formal home office | Traditional home office | decorating ideas | PHOTO GALLERY | 25 Beautiful Homes | HousetohomeWhen designing an office at home whether its a spare room in the house or a small space tucked in the corner of a bedroom or under the stairs making the most of storage space is key. We would all like to be lucky enough to have a spare room to use as an office at home as it gives us the oppurtunity to really use the room as a specific working space rather than hiding items away. Traditional home offices have lots of open bookcases lining the walls & plenty of space to spread out our papers, drawings, moodboards or whatever our work may be. It also allows us to create plenty of storage space too.
But if you lack space to have a proper office area you can always utilize a small space like an alchove under the stairs or a corner of your bedroom by having a clever & effective design layout.  Home offices can be incorporated into spaces like your bedroom designed to match in with your bedroom furniture, this is a very popular idea to utilise a small corner of your room. If you have a large bedroom space you can always seperate the desk from the bed space by using a partititon.


  Tips:-


  • Make your home office a bit more personal by adding a small selection of favourite possesions.
  • soften the space with soft furnishings.
  • Add some character with a splash of colour.
  • Be imaginitive mix up plenty of storage with display shelves.
  • Build in shelves in little alcoves to utilize the space. 
  • use spaces like a landing or under the stairs where space is being wasted.Paint this area a different colour to the surrounding space to make it feel like its a specific working space.
  • If blending into another room like a bedroom or dinning area try to streamline your furniture to match in discreatly.
  • If your office in an awkward shape as its tucked in a loft or divided into another space its worth having the space designed & fitted out properly by a specialist.
  • Invest in a good chair, you need to be comfortable while you work this is an important element not to sacrifice.  
  • If possible give youself a view but if you are tucked away in a small alchove & this isnt possible how about adding some scenic artwork to lift your spirits.


 

My Dream Home




 I have made no secret of my love of the seaside & I dream of a house by the sea one day. There is something so calming & tranquil about the sea maybe its just happy memorys of child hood holidays at seaside retreats. There is something very raw about beach style interiors that I find appealing.
 I have a real ecclectic mix of interior style that seems to flip with my mood. I certainly have no signiture stamped style its all about mixing it up for me with a little style & a little comfort.
I guess the appeal of a space to me is to be comfortable & practicle yet a little stylish to. I love the comfy look of modern country style with some shabby chic beach beauty thrown in. Slighty shabby glam works wonderfully for a beach look I think. I have a real apeal for vintage retro too (see told you I was very ecclectic in taste). I often feel I should have been born in the 1960's I love so much about that era. But I also have a love of the exotic too. 
 One thing is for sure my Cosy living room | Fireplaces | Pouffe | Image | Housetohome.co.ukdream home would have an open fireplace. I rattled on about this a lot last Autumn, you see I hate being cold & there is something very comforting about not only the wonderful warmth of an open fire but the therapeutic feeling of watching an open flame burn. I am a girl that loves comfort as you are starting to see. Open fireplace, a cosy sofa covered in snuggly cushions & throws, a very rustic kind of charm.
A living area is some where of comfort for the family to share. Snuggling up watching a family film is my perfect evening, fire roaring in the winter.
When planning a home I would put a lot of thought & time into the kitchen. In my eyes this is the heart of the home. I love cooking & baking & this is a space that needs to be very practicle. I would very much love an open plan kitchen/ dinning area so as to not close myself off as the cook from the kids or from guests we are entertaining. An island unit is a must for me a place to not only prepare food, but to entertain or a space for the kids to do homework, a space where everyone can be together. I love the gorgeous beige gloss doors in this image they look sleek & modern (easy to wipe clean) but not as clinical feeling as a white gloss door. Mixed here with the ebony striped door takes on a very contemporary edge. Its a very attractive space for entertaining guests.




My dream bedroom would have to be somewhere both tranquil yet romantic. I dont feel the need for lots of pink for romance (not mascuiline enough for my partner anyway) But that cant stop a girl from wanting dreamy white drapes. Ive always wanted a four poster bed, maybe its all those fairy storys I read as a child thats fluffed my brain. A soft soothing neutral pallette is my
Serene bedroom | Bedroom | Livingetc | IMAGE | Housetohome.co.ukbedroom choice with soft floaty linens mixed with snuggly fur throws for winter or pretty shabby chic style quilts. Of course every girl needs her own dresser. I have a beautiful solid oak one with a large 3 way mirror. Its my space to sit & put on my makeup & brush my hair. I have a few framed photos placed here too, I like to take a little time in getting ready in the mornings surrounded by lovely things like trinkets & photographs of my loved ones. Im a little soft & nostalgic me. Its my specially girly space thats all mine!
I love a neutral pallette for the bathroom too, thats not to say a splash or two of colour cannot be found in a few of the accessories but like the bedroom its a space of tranqulity. I think a bathroom should be your very own slice of a spa in your own home where you can shut the door, step into a nice hot bubble bath & simple relax after a hard days work. Rustic stone tiles ring my bell everytime they shout spa style & luxury & are definatley a must have for me.
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I have to add the biggest focal point to my dream bathroom has most certainly got to be a nice big sized bath, it really does just go without saying its THE place to unwind & a few jet bubbles wouldnt go a-miss either. Dimmed lighting, candles burning, a glass of bubbly & a copy of Fifty Shades what else could a girl need..... 

Pinned Image

Its not just the interiors I have listed for my dream home, after two summers without a garden to relax in I have thought a lot about a tranquil garden space too. I have always loved the thought of a small orchard, just a scattering of a few apple tree's not some large vinery.

Pinned ImageI remember as a child my aunty having an apple tree in her garden & coming home with apples for my mum to make apple crumble. Its my love of baking with fresh foods its  just a funny little dream of fresh baked apple crumbles like my mum used to make & of course they are handy for a bowl or two of scrumptious punch. When my son was little he went to a little cottage nursery that had a little orchard with a few chickens clucking it was such a beautiful place its stamped within my brain  as a place of my serendipity. All thats needed is a pretty little nock to sit & relax in the sunshine, I love this quaint little space I could see me sat here with my quintessentially British cup of tea in a cup & saucer....... 
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Next week we start a new mini series where we talk to some of my favourite designers & bloggers about thier dream homes, thier style & what inspires them, Our first lovely blogger is Sarah from Modern Country Style.....
 

kitchen inspiration


Eclectic kitchen | Open-plan kitchen | Kitchen | Image | Housetohome.co.uk



Sometimes you see a space that totally makes you smile, this kitchen I have to say is one of those spaces.  I love the cool calm tones of the grey cabinetry, the bare brick & neutral pallette which is certainly brought to life with this quirky sofa. Id certainly love to see more images from this kitchen, the full layout. I love the fact they have a sofa & coffee table in this space, it seems so perfectly casual. This is a gorgeous & incredibly inviting place. I found a very similar sofa on the DFS website. This maxi fabric from the Capsule Collection is presently on sale £699.00


 


 

colour inspiration




                         Autumn Colour Inspiration



yellow-orange maple
Well its about time I started talking about Autumn colour pallettes in my colour inspiration series, dont you think? Its a pallette I really adore with red's yellow's, brown's and orange tones. Mixing these gorgeous colours with cosy fabrics likes wools & fleeces makes for a very inviting space. Natural tones & materials are very popular this autumn with woods, stone & even leather dominating in interiors. A pop of vibrant orange against browns & creams works really well for a warm, cosy & interesting space.  






On trend right now for the Autumn season we see lots of animal motifs as well as folksy patterns & fabrics.
Fabulous trend find - Donna Wilson 'wolfe cushion'


Donna Wilson wolfie cushion from Home and Kids |Woodland trend | Autumn winter 2012 | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk
 

Home Office Inspiration

I posted about my exciting new launch of bedrooms & home offices the other day so today here is a little preview of some of the home office collections we are designing & supplying here at F.T.I.....




 
 
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