3 guaranteed beautiful ways to style your mantelpiece [ideal for renters]

A mantelpiece is usually the heart of the home. It's your one opportunity to wow people when they enter the room, so if you get it wrong, or don't bother with it at all, it's a mega missed chance. 
The beauty of having a mantelpiece or fireplace which I'll go into below, is the versatility you have. Nothing has to stay the same and you can change it with some simple foliage or flowers to reflect every time of year. Winter garlands for Christmas, twigs and orange leaved branches for autumn, or a vase of peonies in late Spring. 
Below I'm sharing 3 foolproof ways you can make your mantelpiece stun people, all ideas are renter friendly too... bonus!

FOR A SIMPLE MANTELPIECE

I'd say if you've just moved in, or if you're new to decorating and aren't as brave as you'd like to be (nothing to be ashamed of, we all have to start somewhere!) this style is a fantastic place to start. 
Choose 1 piece of large artwork that will:
a) be a talking point when people enter the room b) be something linked to your lifestyle, background or personality c) tie in or set the colour scheme for the room
Make sure your art work is roughly 3/4s of the width of your mantelpiece so it will anchor the fireplace and won't look too small and pathetic.
If you're renting, use 3D Command strips for nail free hanging. 
If you're strapped for cash (large works of art can be bloody expensive!) try buying the right size canvas for the wall and choose your favourite print wallpaper to paste over it and create your own work of art.
Then, add depth to the look with candlesticks, vases or trinkets that will soften up the harsh edges of the frame. 

WHAT I WOULD BUY FOR THIS LOOK:

Haven wallpaper by Feathr 120 x 100 blank canvas Roller + tray set for pasting Wallpaper paste

FOR AN ECLECTIC MANTELPIECE

For the more experimental decorator, and ideal for people that want a new look on their mantelpiece with a more eclectic vibe, lean various sized artwork in front of each other.  
Some styling tips, to avoid your mantel looking too cluttered:

• Begin with 1 or 2 pieces of art that add vertical height as staple pieces
• Avoid too much redundant white space by making sure the staple art you're choosing is large enough for the mantelpiece
• Next add square or rectangular wide pieces of art that's roughly half the vertical height of your staple piece
• Finally, go wild on smaller pieces (stick to odd numbers, 3 or 5) and maybe introduce a circular frame or object to soften the edges

WHAT I WOULD BUY FOR THIS LOOK:

Print from Unlimited, Brighton Art by Martin O'Neill and Unlimited Brighton Frames in various sizes from Ikea

FOR A TRADITIONAL MANTELPIECE

If you're lucky enough to have a period chandelier in your living room, this look would complete the room. A gilt or wooden ornate mirror that's large enough to fit the mantelpiece end to end gives a traditional feel without having to think too much about styling. 
The mirrors reflective elements mean that if you're in a rented flat with limited space, it'll open it up and make the room feel bigger.
I'd add traditional props with this if it's too simple for your taste. Think classic clocks, candelabras and thick garlands representative of each season. 

WHAT I WOULD BUY FOR THIS LOOK:

Mahogany framed mantelpiece mirror from Oak furniture Gold spray paint to give the mirror a gilt effect Newgate mantelpiece clock from Amara   Any of these looks are great, but I think the biggest tip to point out is... don't go for art or objects too small! It will look and feel a bit pathetic. You want grand and statement!
That's it. Hope you enjoyed my styling tips. 

Next post: The easy cost effective way to bring an eclectic vibe to your living room  ››

Main styled images found on McGrath2, Houzz, Savoy Home Blog, and Overmantels

An interior brand I love: Bohzaar

I'm on a mission to introduce you to some of the UK's cutest interior stockists. Whether you're an interior stylist, budding interior assistant or just love finding home decoration sites to spruce up your home, keep an eye on this feature.

I'm working hard to collect a little black book with a list of favourite shops, so that for ANY interior look you want to achieve, all that's needed is a glance through my little black book to know where you'll find the goods to create your dream rooms. 

Last time I shared with you a brand I've been leaning towards to source sentimental art for the home

This week, let me introduce a brand who is the sole reason behind my new found love for the  bohemian trend, and why I've changed my whole bedroom plans because of their  beautiful bedding and cushions. 

Hello, Bohzaar. I'll allow you to click on their site for two secs to fall in love with their stock too, but make sure you  come back here as soon as poss to see how I'm incorporating their gorgeous bedding in my room. There's plenty of time for shopping, umming and ahhing later ;)

Bohzaar KNOW how to rock the bohemian trend.  I think you'll agree. I initially wanted a minimalist look in our new bedroom (which is currently in the slow  process of decoration between blogging  + working) but after sharing my first phase before  + after look I realised  I needed more pattern and personality within the room. 

It was looking a bit 2 dimensional, flat and needed some pattern and texture to add depth. So I came up with a 'Minimalist Boho' theme to incorporate my love for simplicity with splashes of pattern. Totally trying to  trend set here  - there is no such thing as 'boho minimalism' obvs... but it will soon be a 'thing' ha.

It was looking through Bohzaar's site that gave me this realisation. Don't you just love it when an interior shop or website gives you that 'a-ha' moment and you finally have a shop that stocks everything you need?

What stood out to me, and really appealed to my personality, was Bohzaar's fabric ranges. I've spent a long long time trawling the internet for small but detailed print paisley-esque bedding for my previous place. It feels good have finally found the  home of boho bedding.

The blue paisley patterns would mix well with cool tones on your bedroom walls for a relaxing atmosphere, whereas the striking Ikat Kerela range in all different colours would sit beautifully in a scandi inspired bedroom. I sometimes dislike the scandinavian look for it's lack of colour, it can be a bit stark and limited to monochrome, so if you're after something a bit brighter to fit within a modern/scandi/ikea theme, check out the Ikat Kerela in Orange base. A nice warm fabric to cosy up what is usually quite a cold, minimal style. 

What did I end up opting for?

It was a real toss up between the ZigZag Grey Duvet cover as I'm going for a grey/white theme in our bedroom, and the Bohemian Sundara  duvet and pillowcases.  You can see exactly which ones I chose and they are by far my most favourite bed sheets I've ever owned (and that's a LOT of bed sheets). 

They wash really well and with a spray of my new best friend 

Crease Release when they're drying they don't wrinkle too much - perfect for photo shoots!

Do you like?  

Pay Bohzaar a visit ›› 

www.bohzaar.co.uk

Fi xoxo

My 'Minimalist Boho' bedroom mood board + John Lewis £50 giveaway!

I can't tell you how effective it is to have a mood board on the go when you're decorating a room. If you're decorating without one, you risk losing direction and throwing a paddy. I speak of experience :) 
In the beginning, I used my pinterest boards to reflect what I wanted to achieve in my bedroom, but really, all it helped with was defining the overall style I want - minimalist boho - it didn't help with fine tuning the exact things that would pull the look together in real life. 
I have a free downloadable interior class that helps people define their style, and pinterest plays a big part in it. But for the later stages, developing a product board like the one above is the next step to seeing the look come to life before you commit to buy.
Once I've got an idea of the look I'm going for, I always play around with these sort of product boards to see how things I want inside the room, furniture and accessories, look together on paper. The board above is a sneak peek of what I created for our bedroom makeover a short while ago - what do you think?

Let me talk you through all the elements. 

I'd already decided on a grey/white colour scheme for the minimalist vibe, so I began by considering the furniture I already have that I wanted to keep along that theme (the Hemnes ikea bedside table I knew was staying), and slotted in the bigger things I want to replace - like the bed (I want to eventually have an upholstered headboard as opposed to my metal frame you can see in this interior blog post, to bring warmth). One that's particularly caught my eye is the Capri Wolf Grey from Made, but I doubt it will have the storage space underneath for me to sign it off with the other half! I'll find something perfect soon, and plan to buy it when money is not as stretched.
I then looked around for accessories from my favourite interior brands to bring in that boho feel. Take this caged pendant light for the ceiling for example, I love the copper tones and the intricate detailing that looks fab paired with the subtle colours and boho pattern on the Bohzaar New Paisley linen cushion. We since bought and installed a very similar light fitting along this theme, and my bed is adorned with gorgeous Bohzaar boho bedding. So progress is being made on that front.
For the floors, I know I want more rugs and texture. We have wooden floors throughout our flat which I adore, but I've also felt like bedrooms should have carpets. I don't know why. Maybe it's a cosy thing. Rather than paying for new flooring, rugs make complete sense and this grey geometric rug from urban outfitters would be perfect, layered with my sheepskin rug for added texture. 
I saw this absolutely stunning blanket on Toast's website. In fact, it's pretty hard to not find a stunning blanket on there. The whole collection I'm amazed with. It's a Chirali Bedspread that costs the best part of £200 but it is PERFECT for bringing a boho vibe with its reversible patterns. If money was no object, it would be mine. Perhaps I can find a knock off somewhere? My new challenge. 
Finishing touches would see some copper ornamental things on my bedside table and this sweet little bedside lamp. I actually smashed my Next lamp you can see in my bedroom makeover post as I was rushing to work the other morning which I'm gutted about, so a new lamp is needed asap. 
There we have it. What do you think of the mood board? Do you think I should add anything else to our room for a more boho vibe? 

Oh before I go, I have a special giveaway for you c/o the wonderful bunch at Foundry. Foundry design and sell contemporary lighting for the home. If you're after a minimalist feel and similar lights to the ones I've mentioned above, you should definitely check them out.
Enter the Rafflecopter below to potentially win a £50 John Lewis voucher from them and get styling your room minimalist-boho too! All you have to do is follow my blog on bloglovin' for a chance to win. There's lots more bonus entries to be had too, so get stuck in.  The winner will be announced on   Monday 18th October, you'll get an email from me if you've been picked. Please note this is open to UK residents only. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

If your home decoration plans are lacking something, turn to nature

I'm a proud brand ambassador for Graham + Brown   which means that every month  I introduce you to Graham & Brown's home trends  offering ideas to help style your home with their range of wallpapers and home accessories.  They have spectacular ranges, all fantastic quality too - and their wallpapers are a breeze to work with.
Read about their vintage floral  Northern Rose trend, candy colour Popsicle trend,  their Precious trend and  their fun 60s Eureka trend.
This month we're looking at Horizon.  
A trend that sees tranquil colours and luxury textures introduced  inside the home. Horizon is all about  focal points in a room bringing the outdoors in and  it's  influenced by nature all around us - from lapping oceans and seaside themed interiors, to cosy wood and wicker rooms inspired by fields and forests.
Nature has a huge part to play in interior design, and if at times you're looking at a room (maybe in your own house or a clients)  feeling like something isn't quite sitting right, it's usually that there isn't enough nature inside it. Think about plants, silks, woods, wicker and texture when you're decorating and don't be afraid to add elements of outdoor detail. 

I try to introduce elements of colour and design from country walks Neil and I regularly go on. In our living room we have lots of wicker baskets and a bare brick fireplace we are soon to install a wood burner inside. Whilst in my bedroom, since it's been in the middle of a redecoration phase (see the before and after shots here) it's lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. So I've introduced these beautiful silk-like Meadow cushions to temporarily give the room more colour and life.  

They have a really beautiful piping detail of purple around the edges, and the watercolour splashes of purple and yellow remind me of evening light and country drives. 

If you're less of a country bumpkin and more of a city girl, Graham + Brown have some really iconic wall art that would suit more modern looks. From urban landscapes made from water colour to cute framed pug pictures (I love these), there's lots of ways you can bring nature in to a home if you aren't brave enough to go all out with nature inspired wallpaper. But of course, if you're on the market for a statement wall, you've got to check out the new Honolulu Palm Green print that is so on trend at the mo. 

It's National Wallpaper Week from the 5th-11th October so stay tuned for more G+B love really soon. 

Follow the fun on twitter: @NWallpaperWeek

And facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalWallpaperWeek

#NationalWallpaperWeek

An interior brand I love: Old English Prints

I'm on a mission to introduce you to some of the UK's cutest interior stockists. Whether you're an interior stylist, budding interior assistant or just love finding home decoration sites to spruce up your home, you'll love this feature.

I'm working hard to collect a little black book of shops, so that for ANY interior look you want to achieve, all that's needed is a glance through my little black book to know where you'll find the goods.

You might even recognise the designs from this next company I want to introduce you to.

Meet Old English Prints. Aren't their designs gorgeous? They specialise in handwritten typography across pillows, cups + posters, so you can bring a personal touch to any room.

If you've ever watched Zoe Sugg's youtube videos, you'll have seen her lovely pillowcases, 'big spoon + little spoon' (which I simply HAVE to get my hands on!). The girl has a great sense of interior style, I'll give her that.

That's sorta where I found out about Old English Prints.

I got looking at their collection of inspiring quotes online, and loved their simplicity and variety of colours. You can simply find (or create!) a quote you love, choose the colours, and order. Then bam, they're in your letterbox a few days later.

I have a mini gallery wall I'm currently working on that I can't wait to reveal on here, which features prints from this lovely place and a gorgeous art deco mirror I've found.

I think I'm a little bit in love with their branding too. I can sense a whole sack of presents being purchased from their online store over the Christmas period. So glad I found them :)

Pay them a wee visit, you'll love what they have to offer.

www.oldenglishprints.com

How to explore and define your unique interior style (with my free worksheet)

Design skills or no design skills - you can create a home you (and your family) love. 
There, I said it. 
Whether you're a confident decorator or not, you have the ability to put together furniture, colours and home accessories that match, showing off your passions and personality, to create a space free from clutter that will make you happy. 
I've written a class to help you define the style that will make your home look like a show room - and feel like a home. 

You'll learn:
- Where to start if you're thinking about redecorating - How you can inject soul into any room (with the lowest budget ever) - Why your passions are so important to think about when decorating - How to create a space that speaks volumes about you as a couple and/or family (and still makes visitors go "wow")
Say goodbye to ikea arguments, this class will help you come up with a clear vision for happier decoration projects.
And guess what? You don't need a hefty budget to do this either. 
Download the interior class for FREE here, and prepare to explore your inner interior goddess.

Image credit: Cranmore Home

3 ways to style a lamp: Part 1 (& amazing Loaf giveaway)

Je suis in love with this little lamp.

His name is Gaston, and he can be purchased from one of my all time favourite home decor & furniture sites, Loaf. I love the industrial-chic look he brings to our living room; his skeletal structure mixes really well with soft blankets and washes of grey, and the copper rust effect of his shade adds elements of warmth. 

You might be wondering why the title of this post says '3 ways' when all you can see is 1, right? 

Here's the story. 

When Gaston first arrived in the post, I had absolutely no idea where to put him. I fell in love with him, like I do much of the Loaf site, at first click, and knew he had to be mine before I knew where he'd live in my home. 

I unwrapped him, popped him here, there and everywhere around the flat and just couldn't - and still can't - decide where he should sit permanently, he just looked beautiful everywhere.

It got me thinking.

Should the things we buy for our home remain in the one place for years on end? 

I've decided to trial something.

I'm going to switch Gaston's home around every season, styling him up in different parts of the flat, showing you guys how he looks and hopefully give you inspiration to have a switch around too. 

Will you join me?

Here's Gaston looking gorgeous beside our sofa, part 1. Come back in Winter to see him styled by our bed :)

Lamps give a 'complete' look to a room. If you're all moved in and feel as if your house still has that 'just moved in' look to it, think about ways you can dress up shelves, tables and stools with lamps and good use of light. 

Loaf have some really unique, industrial lamps at reasonable prices. My current faves aside from the handsome Gaston pictured, is the

Loco floorlamp (which I wrote about in this post), the Domeo desk lamp, and Gilbert, Gaston's more androgynous brother.

Gosh, if I could kit my house out with just one home brand, it would be loaf. 

One can dream, right?

And guess what? 

Come autumn 2015, Loaf will no longer solely trade online.... *drumroll please* they're opening up a brand new Loaf Shack in Battersea, London. The press release with words from Charlie, Loaf's founder, got me very excited for snugsville.... grab a cuppa and read all about it here. 

I hope you have a house warming, Loafers!

Photography all copyright of me // dark grey cushions c/o Urbanara // yellow piped geometric cushions c/o Tesco (only £3 each!) // cactus & vase from ikea // lamp c/o Loaf // Mirror, Oliver Bonas

Why I've stopped being too precious about my home

I could have virtually lashed out at someone the other day when I found one of the cushions to our suede-effect grey sofa had a big fat stain going across it. There it was staring at me in the face. 

If I sound to you like a spoilt brat, check out the colour of the sofa and you'll realise what a catastrophe this was... or at least it should have been!

I paused for a moment, got mad for about 2 minutes, then remembered my gigantic stash of cushions I adore but I've been struggling to store. 

It dawned on me how stupid it is getting wound up over a stain, and how precious I was being about our interior, especially considering I have more cushions collecting dust, never seeing the light of day. Every possession we own is to some extent replaceable. It's not worth the worry.

When Graham & Brown challenged bloggers to share how they would shake up their home by moving one of their most treasured possessions somewhere new, I immediately thought of the love I have for my cushion collection, and the little place I have to store them. 

My response to the challenge? I decided to give every last one of them away (to friends and family) to shake off some level of this hateful materialism I'm prone to. It was bloody hard letting go, but I feel as if my cushion addiction has somehow helped other people I know and love make their homes more lovely, and it's changed my interior too - I can now finally see the floor underneath my bed where they were once stored.

Hoorah! Thank you Graham & Brown.

Quotes to live by for your home

True story. 

I spent about 4 hours in one day looking for the perfect wall art for our bedroom. It had to be something that suits us both as a couple, something that suited the colours of our room and most importantly the words had to mean something when I looked at it a whole year down the line, I tend to lose interest in things after a few months.

I ended up finding nothing. Then I realised. You can totally make your own quotes, get them printed on Photobox, and buy a cheap or second hand frame to hang it. 

It's a fraction of the cost for something that's perfect for you, and essentially hand made. 

Here's one I made earlier (above). I'm still playing around with quotes, photos and colours before I print and hang something though. It's so much fun and I'm learning a lot about photoshop & design.