Club Tropicana

Theres a definite hint of pineapple throughout the world of interiors at the moment, have you noticed? 

John Lewis have these stylish, on trend, metallic pineapple pots, Barneby Gates have this brilliant Pineapple wallpaper - the pink is lively and fun but they also do a dark colourway  that would look amazing in an eclectically dressed dining room. Then we have Graham & Green stocking this fabuous Golden Pineapple table and just about every other store you look at has a pineapple stashed on a shelf or two somewhere this season!

So todays inspiration board is pushing the pineapples and welcoming in a bit of tropical sunshine.... say hello to Club Tropicana! 

Bright colours & punchy patterns can be intimidating - but if you keep the base clean and crisp, like this white sideboard with colonial style doors, then you can throw colours around and have loads of fun!

Sources (Clockwise from top left)

Pina Lampshade by Rosa & Clara Designs

Tropical Floral Wallpaper from B&Q

Toucan Print from Lila + Lola

Bert storage Coffee Table from Habitat

Cactus Vase from Howkapow

Various Cotton Cushion Covers from H&M

Flamingo Tealight Holder from Home by Matthew Williamson Designer

Tropical Pineapple Garland by Postbox Party

Barbade Sideboard from Maisons Du Monde

Flamingo Hooks from Rigby & Mac

Dekale Side Table from Maisons Du Monde

As always, please leave any comments below. Feedback, questions, requests - everything always welcome!

And finally, if you've have had a certain tune in your head the entire time you've been reading this and actually landed here hoping for some 80's hotties - this one is for you..... Haha! 

You're welcome! Xx

A Design For Life

As a Designer, sometimes inspiration just strikes and you cant help but run with it - todays board materialised from one of those moments!

I accidentally stumbled across the image of the beautiful sideboard I've featured whilst looking for something totally different. I pinned it instantly - knowing full well it was exactly the right partner for the equally epic West Elm sofa Id already earmarked a couple of weeks ago. With two strong pieces decided, the rest of the design just fell into place.

I'm aware that quite often anything related to 'interior design' tends to err towards the female of the species but, from both personal and professional experience, I know that blokes do have an opinion on it and the ones that go down that professional route are generally red hot at it! So here's one with the guys in mind,  A Design For Life.

I've used a few industrial touches to balance out the slick lines of the furniture. The saw-burnt reclaimed timber flooring, the distressed leather of the punch bag and the rough surface of the concrete planter give balance to the overall effect.

Often we think a look is determined via a 'colour scheme' but in this instance the design is held together through the repetitive use of 3 main materials - timber, leather and concrete.

Choose some statement art work that reflects your own taste and yes, despite being the nemesis of many a man, I actually went and added cushions.
They are Star Wars graphics though so I think I might just get away with it!

Sources & links (clockwise from top left)

Concrete & Brass Lamp from Graham & Green

Double Trouble Canvas by Bitten London

Round Hanging Mirror from John Lewis

ES Sideboard by AFID Design

Brooklyn Leather Sofa from West Elm

Jake Tripod Table from Johnny Moustache

Concrete Planter from Whosit & Whatsit

Reclaimed Oak Flooring from Trunk Reclaimed

Timothy Oulton Punch Bag from Barker & Stonehouse

Star Wars Cushions from Whosit & Whatsit

Drop me a line or leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Copper & Teal

Copper & Teal is such a fabulous combination.

The blue-green colour of teal naturally zings when paired with orange-red tones of copper.

If you're up on your colour theory it makes perfect sense - green and red are complimentary colours (they sit opposite each other on the colour wheel) as are orange and blue, so when place side by side they enhance each other.....but maybe this is a whole different blog post for the future!

Back to copper & teal!
Its a versatile mix - it can be dressed up in a sumptuous, decadent stately fashion or pared right down with lots of raw materials - think exposed brick for example- as a nod to industrial chic, or it can sit quite confidently anywhere between the two.

For todays inspiration board Ive aimed for a bit of an eclectic mix. 

Ive teamed distressed style paisley papers with rich, dark paint colours. Using the muted paint palette in this instance serves to anchor the scheme with an air of refinement but it could work equally well with lighter, airy paint colours too depending on the atmosphere you want to achieve.

Ive mixed it all up with beautiful velvets and button down upholstery flanked by minimalist side tables. Simple, angular light fittings (this one is copper and leather - what a twosome!) and faceted glass candle holders. However the pièce de résistance has to be the copper drinks trolley for when you're finally ready to sink into that sofa & enjoy.

Sources & Links (clockwise from top left)

Mervyn Console Table from Barker & Stonehouse

Dinner Candles from Rockett St George

Aqua Diamond Hand Cut Glass Tealight Holder from Oliver Bonas

Mahogany & Brassica paint colours from Farrow & Ball

Paisley Wallpaper in Turquoise by Barneby Gates

Wilder Pendant Light by Endon from Castlegate Lighting

Biba Feather Foil Cushion from House of Fraser

Roo Abrook Antique Page Print from Rigby & Mac

Mirrored Copper Side Tables from The French Bedroom Co.

Enya Relaxing Chair from Graham and Green

Shoreditch Drinks Trolley from Rockett St George

Mid Century Planter from West Elm

Bagsie Sofa in Belize Clever Velvet from Loaf

As always please get in touch and let me know what you think - if youve any subject requests or questions let me know!

Also, if you happen to buy anything Ive suggested Id love to hear your feedback on it and maybe even send me a pic so I can see it in situ!