All posts by Sally

A Décor Dispute

I had become rather ashamed of the spare bedroom in my home which had not been decorated for at least a decade and was looking tired and dated. Actually I have no idea what I was thinking of when I last decorated it. The room was overly dark and a little oppressive. As my friend was about to move into it I felt that it was time for an overhaul but I needed to decide what look would be appropriate. Continue reading A Décor Dispute

Making the Most of a Small Dining room

Many homes have small dining rooms or open plan areas with limited dining space. This can present major problems in accommodating the furniture and storage you need and can result in a room that feels cluttered or claustrophobic.  There is nothing more annoying than having to slither around the furniture in a room or for one area in the home to let down the overall look. However, there are things that you can do to make the most of a small dining space. Continue reading Making the Most of a Small Dining room

Using Wall Sculpture

Contemporary interiors feature clean lines, uncluttered spaces and little ornamentation. As a result it is all too easy to create rooms which lack character, depth and texture.  Large expanses of plain wall are especially bland and so it is crucial to introduce decorative features which draw the eye, form focal points and at least bring some depth and colour to proceedings. Continue reading Using Wall Sculpture

The Importance of Maintaining Your Guttering

Guttering is one aspect of you home that you will barely notice or think about until it gets blocked. When that happens you will certainly notice the consequences and blocked gutters will cause a raft of problems some of which will result in serious damage to the fabric of your home. It is well worth checking your gutters and downpipes regularly to ensure that all is well and to perform any necessary maintenance before an issues get out of hand. Continue reading The Importance of Maintaining Your Guttering

From Crayons to the World’s Best Loved Candles

It is always incredibly heart-warming and encouraging to hear stories of successful companies with the most humble of beginnings. It is nice to know that all of us have the potential to start something big and that incredible things can blossom from simple ideas that really work. Yankee Candles are now the world’s favourite scented candles but they were born out of the financial challenges of being a student. Continue reading From Crayons to the World’s Best Loved Candles

The Power of Presentation

If your food doesn’t taste good then even the most wonderful presentation isn’t going to turn the meal into a triumph. However, there is also no doubt that the way you present your food does make a big difference and can considerably enhance the overall experience for your guests. The good news is that you don’t have to be a creative genius to turn your dining table into a real treat. There is plenty of inspiration out there if you keep your eyes open. Continue reading The Power of Presentation

Ikea and the Scandinavian Style

I can still remember the first time I stepped into one of Ikea’s enormous stores and it was a bit of a culture shock! Having been brought up in a somewhat chintzy and dated home the simplicity and functionality of the Ikea offering seemed stark, uninviting and characterless. However, that visit obviously planted a few seeds in my mind because it wasn’t long before I started seriously considering the merits of the Scandinavian style. Continue reading Ikea and the Scandinavian Style

The Problem with Small Halls

The hall can be the most difficult room in the house to decorate and furnish. Halls are often awkwardly shaped, small or narrow which can leave you scratching your head in despair as you attempt to evolve a decorative scheme and layout that will prove to be both practical and visually appealing. As the hall is a space that you tend to pass through rather than occupy, it is all too tempting to devote only minimal attention to the room. However, it is the first room that visitors see when they enter your home and so it is worth spending the time and effort to achieve something special. Continue reading The Problem with Small Halls

The Story of an Art Lover

Having spent an unpleasant few weeks living in a damp ridden room at the back of a shared flat in West London I was most relieved to move into a pleasant one bedroom flat in Ealing. I had just moved to the Capital after leaving university and was finding it hard to finance an acceptable place to live. The Ealing flat seemed a little too good to be true but it actually turned out to be even better than that. Continue reading The Story of an Art Lover

Tartan

Tartan fabrics are popular choices in both the world of fashion and that of interior design. The strong colours, heritage values and bold patterns all have their appeal and if you are Scottish or are decorating a Scottish home then tartan will probably be in the forefront of your mind. We all know what tartan is and that it is most associated with Scotland but how long have these designs been with us and were they a Scottish innovation? Continue reading Tartan