I’m hoping that you’re not too bored with the Olympics as I couldn’t resist showing you this patriotic living room. Pretty yet punk-inspired – a combination that shouldn’t work, yet it does. There are so many ways to display the Union Jack, from cushions and artwork to rugs and wallpaper, but this wallhanging does the job perfectly. Inspiring.
Laurie
I’m always harping on about the need to make rooms look homely – and I’m not just talking living rooms. If the kitchen is what most of us regard as the heart of the home, why not cosy it up? Lots of books – and not just cookery – are a great thing. Even adding those darned (or not darned) cushions like those in the pic makes it a more welcoming place. And don’t you just love those chairs!
Seán O
The perfect ingredients for a homely kitchen…
Now I’ve just received a press release from John Lewis pointing out that geometrics in homewares are big on the catwalk (tho’ I’ve never seen cushions strutting their stuff…). So even if the sun doesn’t come out, it looks like we’ll be needing dark glasses this Spring/Summer. But I do like this stuff – to me it’s reminiscent of the Sixties and harks back to a time when the world seemed brighter, England had won the World Cup and Sandie Shaw topped the Eurovision Song Contest (stop me, someone!). Fashionwise, it was all Op Art with those Mary Quant geometric numbers modelled by Twiggy – now she was big on the catwalk…
Seán O
There's a pattern emerging...
If I say ‘patchwork’ what picture does that paint? Quaint quilts in a cosy bedroom? Cutesy cushions crowding out a small sofa? Tasteless tea cosy on a… well, you know what I mean. But I’m increasingly seeing patchworks in unlikely settings and being used in unexpected ways. I know it’s not cutting-edge stuff but when, for example, you get furniture covered in this style – admittedly with top-notch fabrics in vibrant colours – it looks flipping marvellous. Maybe it’s just the time of year (winter, Christmas and all that) or maybe it’s my time of life, but I’d happily settle back in a big chair like this, in front of a blazing fire, glass of port in one hand and a copy of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in the other…
Definitely not for squares
The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the living room is where you can WHOLEHEARTEDLY indulge your love of cushions! Here are three of my favourite cosy cushioned designs…
1) It’s all about symmetry in this fresh, feminine living room. I love the alcove shelving painted in different shades of pink, and the sharp white accessories give a bright, spacious feel.
Pink living room - Summer of Love - Roomenvy
2) And now for something completely different… This striking room certainly embraces colour with its dark grey walls offset by neon furniture and accessories. The hot pink coffee table looks fab against the grey painted floorboards and the quirky artwork completes the look.
Graphic living room - Summer of Love - Roomenvy
3) And finally – it may be autumn (groan!) but it must feel like spring all year round in this soothing, white-themed living room. Touches of soft yellow stop it becoming TOO minimalist and I love the different textures used on the curtains, blinds and rug. I’m not sure how long it would stay that pristine once red wine was allowed to enter the equation though…
White living room - Summer of Love - Roomenvy
Want more? Check out hundreds of gorgeous living rooms over on housetohome.co.uk.
Normally I’m not a fan of getting up early to go to a swimming pool, but when it’s in a fabulously swanky London hotel; with a swimming pool covered in pretty flowers; and with Laurence Llewelyn Bowen lazing on a nearby deck chair, I’d make an exception.
This was the setting for the B&Q 2010 summer press event. Expect dramatic colours from Laurence’s new paint range, cheerful picnicware, cafe society chic linens, oh and GORGEOUSLY exotic garden furniture and accessories for warm (here’s hoping) summer nights.
roomenvy - exotic nights furniture and accessories
They might not all be available until the end of March, but that allows time for plenty of cushion daydreaming!
I would have loved an attic hideaway like this when I was younger – very princess in the castle. Even now, I think this bedroom space is a great way to make the most out of an awkward layout – although probably not for the claustrophobic among us. I’d probably liven it up with a bit of colour though … and make sure the door remained unlocked!
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Bedroom
I just love the cute shabby-chic feel of this dining room – here are the three things I think make the look.
1) Pretty polka dot tableware in sweet sugared-almond shades.
2) Rustic white-washed furniture for a laid-back country feel
3) Farmhouse rose curtains and cushions teamed with chalky walls
Plus, i’d love to get my hands on one of those cute memo-boards with shelves – great for reminders and storing your post.
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dining-room
Classic, dark wood furniture doesn’t have to be dramatic and dated. Make sure you keep the walls in a fresh pale shade, and pretty up the look with light shimmering metallic linens and accessories for a boudoir look to die for.
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bedroom - housetohome
With the clocks set to go forward this week, i’m really getting in the mood for Summer, and I think a day bed, like this one, is just the ticket for warm, lazy afternoons. Team with shabby chic cushions and a colourful bunting for a country-style feel.
Find out more about this living room
living room
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