Hallway Update

We see makeovers in magazine and TV shows all the time but we tend to focus on designated living spaces. Its easy to neglect the transition spaces such as your hallway. Yet a hallway in UK homes is often very heavily used. In fact the majority of UK housing stock in cities has a long narrow hallway that opens onto other rooms and it’s often a very neglected space, full of dumped coats and shoes and bumps and scrapes.

Yet the below demonstrates how a few simple steps can transform your hallway, simply  add colour, storage, a runner and a seat.

What's Hot Wednesday!

Essentials for a Comfortable Bedroom

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a place to rest your head and to escape from day to day woes. It should be comfortable, luxurious and a very personal space. So what essentials can help you on your cosy bedroom journey?

1. A GREAT MATTRESS - Your bedroom isn’t complete until you find the perfect mattress. If you’re not getting enough quality sleep, you can’t fully be you.  When you’re shopping you should look for a mattress that keeps you cool and gives you great support, its essential that you try them out, as perfect is rarely the same for everyone.

2. A PLACE TO SIT (THAT’S NOT THE BED) – You cannot underestimate the need for somewhere to perch other than the bed (and it’s not always possible in small city homes). A good spot to sit down when you’re reading something, for putting on shoes, a place to drape your clothes or to have a conversation with your partner that’s best not had in bed!

3. WELL-STOCKED NIGHTSTAND – No self-respecting magazine feature about interiors is complete without a shot of a beautiful styled nightstand. But having a light, some water, a place to keep your book (and your glasses) is essential for a good night sleep, reaching to the floor just isn’t good enough at 3.15am. As you put your own “kit” together, don’t feel like it has to match to be perfect just make sure it works for you.

4. A COMFORTABLE RUG - Nothing ruins a happy morning like stepping out of the bed onto a cold, hard floor. Enough said.

5. NO TECH IN SIGHT – Not always easy to achieve but it will definitely help you sleep better if you can keep your phone, tablet and TV out of the bedroom. It will help you relax and stop the constant mental lists and your mind from churning. A big upside is more room on bedside table for lovely things that make you smile.

Fishtail Braids are so in right now!

Fishtail braids are perfect for a simple but intricate hairstyle that looks as though hours have been spent on them when in reality,

it hasn't taken any time at all.

Perfect for any occasion, work, party or a lazy sunday...this laid back style looks pretty and nods towards the bohemian trend and

is perfect for the festival season as this style looks lush with a flower hairband, making it the perfect festival do. LL x

Click here for tutorial

Wish I was here: Oxfordshire Country home by Katharine Pooley

I wish I were staying at this magnificent country home set in the Oxfordshire countryside designed by Katharine Pooley. The home was originally a stables and coach house for a nearby manor house and was restored and converted into a home. Katharine overhauled the dated interiors with the aim of creating a “little bit of London” whilst in keeping with the country environment.  It’s the lovely calm palette with terracotta orange that bring warmth and relaxation to the space that makes me want to kick back luxuriate.  The property is full of character and Katharine seamlessly combines old and new, including inherited family furniture matched with modern bespoke pieces.  

The Friday Following!

Before and After House Kerb Appeal

It is the secret that all estate agents know but that homeowners often over look, curb appeal. When you're selling a home, you need to make a great first impression. By upgrading the outside of your house to make it more attractive, you need to think about more than just the paint colour on your door but also include windows, planting, driveways, paths and more. Even if your objective isn’t to sell, making your home stand out by brightening up its drab exterior will lift your spirits when you come from work each day.

The simplest cheapest and most satisfying update you can do is to make your windows sparkle and shine, letting in clear summer light. Next up on the cheap yet effective list is the approach to the front door, which should be swept of leaves and rubbish. Consider painting your front door, whether you want bright full on colour in gloss or a muted matt contemporary look it’s the handshake to your home.   You can also spruce up a tired façade by repainting but remember that paint colours should be in keeping with the period of the house and the ones either side. This doesn't mean to say that they have to be the same colour unless you are in a conservation area or it’s a listed property.