Lizelle Joseph
Cheer up your home with some simple seasonal accents
Truly welcome in the warmer weather with a summery home refresh. Nothing major, just simple add-ons to spruce up your living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or even home office.
Photo by Curology, Unsplash
No matter your home's style, whether it is colourfully modern, sleek and minimal or super chic you are bound to find some inspiration that will complement your current interior. And as an added bonus these ideas complement the season's home decor trends like pops of live greenery and accessories in varying neutrals, greens, blues and mulberry tones.
Top tip - Use these creative ideas as your base, and then add your twist on it, it is your home so it should express your personality.
'These ideas are not just for the summer season so, if you are a lover of all things bright and light, keep them around all year long for a sunny and happy home.'
Pops of Colour
Summer is a rainbow of colour so, you will not struggle to find simple pieces that you can add to your bedroom or living room. Bring in that colour through a mix of new throw pillows, vases, and wall prints in your favourite summer colour.
Bohemian Accent Rug
Bohemian style decor is full of colours, patterns, and fun textures just what is needed for the summer season. So, start at your feet with a multi-coloured rug. That just exudes that vibe of well-travelled, relaxed and so boho.
Blooming Floral Walls
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a simple way to turn a blank wall into a chic upgrade. This is a great way to wake-up that blank accent wall in the entryway, living room, bedroom or even your bathroom.
Bright Lights
Bring light into your spaces with a bold coloured light fixture or table lamps and to make that colour pop even more add decor accents in a similar hue as your chosen colour.
Dried Floral Delights
A fresh floral centrepiece is always stunning but with dried flowers enjoying their moment in the spotlight, why not switch out the fresh bouquet for a bunch of dried flowers. They will add not just some colour but also texture to your space.
Coastal Accents
For an easy, summer-ready fix, mix in patterned pillows in tropical prints for added colour. For added texture and depth add pieces in rattan, robe and some greenery like a Fiddle-leaf fern or any of your favourite plants to set it off nicely.
Bright Yellow Accessories
Bring in the sunshine with yellow accessories like lemons on your kitchen table, flowers, and decorative plant pots and fill your spaces with the brightness of the sun.
Now it is over to you, to welcome summer into your home and make the most of this colourful and happy season.
Style Your Table In The Latest Christmas Fashion
Your gifts are all wrapped, the turkey’s in the fridge, and that yummy Christmas pudding is all set to be cooked. Now all that is left is to dress and style your Christmas table.
Here are four of my favourite table settings for a uncomplicated, warm and family focused Christmas. They are super easy to replicate and make your own and they will impress everyone at the table.
Natural Wonders
Create an uncomplicated organic setting with pinecones and wheat. The gingham tablecloth and natural rattan tablemats add ease and comfort to this table-style. The silverware and the simple fanned-out napkin adds flair and style.
A Pop Of Plaid
Keep it simple but with a touch of drama. The black and red paired with the blue and a sprinkle of green is warm and inviting. The added pearl detail around the plain rolled napkin gives a touch of understated elegance.
Festive Scene
The mix of green, cream, and browns paired with the red accents creates the perfect unembellished table setting. The paired potted greenery like rosemary, dried potpourri sets of beautifully against the red pillar candles, and the Christmas horse and nutcracker ornaments. The gold fabric runner complements the natural elements like the wooden bowl and the table beautifully. This is just simplicity at its best.
Eco Subtlety
Subtle touches of gold are definitely something to celebrate because they add festive charm to your table. And this table is just so straightforward. are no The perfectly placed baubles around the mini Christmas tree adds festive charm to the table. It is easy going, eco- stylish with just a touch of glam with the gold cutlery.
Things To Remember When Styling Your Table:
Use what you already have in your home and create unexpected combinations that will make your table uniquely yours and take your Christmas table to the next level.
Choose a theme - Start by matching the colors to your dining room or Christmas decorations. Opt for a simple tablecloth and pair it with a decorative table runner to create your centerpiece.
Create homemade place settings - Homemade place settings is a great way to welcome your guests to the table and adds a personal touch.
Choose your centrepiece carefully - Your centerpiece is the focal point of your table, but you do not want it to take up too much space. So, pick candelabras or vases with narrow bases so you can still see across the table and have plenty of space for the food.
Introducing Pattern Into Your Home
I always find that when the weather starts to go grey I just want to surround myself with at much pattern and colour, in order to brighten up my day and boost my spirits. So, if you are in need of some inspiration to give your space that extra oomph? I have got you covered. Read on to find out how to inject some fun into your interior spaces.
Let’s Kick It Off 
Okay, what I have learned is keeping things simple is the best way, so start on the floor. Adding a statement rug of your choice, size, pattern, and color is the perfect way to add patterns into your room. Yes, this is hassle-free and the easiest way to add instant oomph to your living room or bedroom.
Furniture Items
Go with rattan, a hot trend, to add interest to your space.
Or go for something that will really stand out and brighten your space like these really awesome pattern painted furniture pieces from Oliver Bonas. You can keep that summer feeling alive and feel like you are in a tropical jungle especially on those really yucky rainy days.
Layers Always Work Well
Layer it up with smaller décor accessories like baskets or ceramics The possibilities are endless.
Another option is to choose something you love and double it up. Start with your bed and then move on to your sofa and smother it in color and pattern. I am just in love with this collection of patterns from George Home.
So, now that we know the how and even the where we have no excuse to not brighten and pattern-fill our interior spaces
Decorating Ideas For Autumn
Get the look: Reuben Rug, Floor Lamp, Okara Bobble Cushion, Lacey Armchair, Kari Rattan Easy Fit Shade, Noah Side Table, Coffee Break Wall Print, You Are Enough Wall Print, Moments of Zen Cushion.
Get the look: How To Create An Amazing Gallery Wall
unsplash.comAlways keep in mind proportion and balance. When hanging prints above your sofa or bed leave enough space between the sofa/bed and the framed prints. But do not leave to much space as well.
unsplash.comYour prints should not be wider than the sofa/bed because you do not want the prints to overwhelm the furniture instead of enhancing it.
unsplash.comA good general rule for hanging your prints is that the bottom of your frame should hang 8 inches to 10 inches above the back of the sofa. But when hanging a grouping of frames you can play around with the measurements a little. Just make sure that you hang it low so that you can still have all your prints in eye view even when sitting down.
unsplash.comCreate balance by hanging your prints at least 2 to 3 cm the length of the sofa. If you want to create a bigger piece you can hang two prints together to create one bigger piece. When hanging a group of prints be sure to leave at least 2 inches to 5 inches between each frame to achieve even spacing. Be sure not to hang your frames too far apart as it will only look disjointed and as if you are trying to fill the wall, when what you want to achieve is a cohesive look, almost like each of the pieces are connected to one another.
unsplash.comHow to bring feminine accent into your home
So if you are that fair maiden, trying to figure out how to bring more feminine accents into your home without making it look all too girly? Then read on to find out just how to achieve that.
A feminine space is often associated with soft, muted colors like light pastels and creamy neutrals. But not all ladies are soft and muted, some like it bright and bold. So if pink is your choice for an accent color and you like it bold. A bright fuchsia would be perfect. This rich pink shade will make your space feel bright and uplifting in any season. If bold pink is not your thing then a vivid purple also works well in feminine spaces.
Now for a softer and muted look colors like mint-green, blue, light gray, rosy pink, barely beige and soft yellow are perfect for a soft creamy and delicate feminine look and feel. You can break up all this lightness with a small burst of coral, fuschia, hot pink or even lipstick red.
Then Add Your Patterns And Textures
Florals, botanicals and woven fabrics work well in feminine spaces as they bring a softness to the space. Small prints like polka dots also work well in feminine spaces.
When it comes to textures try and use a mix of textures because how you use them will determine the look and feel of the space. So, for instance you can combine hard with soft, shiny with matte, and smooth with coarse to create a more flawless look.
The combination of textures that you use will add depth to your space so do not be afraid to use different materials like cotton, silk, velvet, linen, chenille, and cashmere. And yes to ruffles as it is the ultimate feminine texture.
Followed By Your Furniture And Decor Accessories
Decor accessories play a huge role in feminine interiors. When it comes to creating a feminine aesthetic, a lot can be done with crystal, gilt, mirror, and marble as it just adds a touch of feminine glamour. Try to incorporate warm metallics such as rose gold or copper to create a glamorous and warm space.
Furniture in a feminine space should include decorative feminine flourishes, like button tufting and carved details. You do not necessarily have to have this on every piece in your space as it might be too overwhelming
Do not overcrowd the space with furniture simply because they look great each piece needs to have a purpose.
Feminine rooms tend to include more decorative pieces, not just for practical purposes but also for aesthetic reasons. A vase of fresh flowers on a dressing table or night stand, decorative throw pillows and wall art makes for great decorative accessories in a feminime space.
Female -Friendly Wall Prints
The easiest way to add that feminine softness is with stylish girl-friendly wall art
Accent Pillows
A combination of softer colors and prints will add a softer feel but still be bold and will serve as an interesting feature in your living room. 
Throw pillows available at Pillows and Patterns
.
Bring It All Together With Throw Pillows
Image source: UnsplashStatement
Try these throw pillow trends;
Image source: UnsplashTry these throw pillow trends;
Image source: UnsplashTry these throw pillow trends;
Clean Lines
Clean lines, uncluttered, monochromatic and understated simplicity is how I would describe minimalism. A look, when achieved correctly, is simply beautiful. Achieving this look should be done with purpose because it is not an easy look to achieve. It is more than just choosing a few pieces of furniture and placing it in front of a white backdrop, which can leave a space feeling cold, sparse and unlived-in.
Image source: Unsplash
What is Minimalism?
Is it just about keeping a space simple, uncluttered and monochromatic? Minimalism for me is about Form, Focus and Functionality.
To break it down; form is very important. Let's take for instance your dining room for the room to function well you need a table and chairs. But to create a well designed minimal look these pieces need to speak to one another. Each piece needs to relate to the next piece through its design, line, and color. In other words, they must work well together in their basic shape.
In minimalist design, the focus should be on something other than space so this can be the furniture or even the art or decor pieces.
The pieces in the room should all be functional and add value to space. So, if you live outside of your home is very busy you want a space to come home to that is restful. Therefore every piece of furniture and decor’s function is going to be calming with simple compositions and nothing that is going to be too stimulating to the eye.
Image source: Unsplash
How can you achieve this in your own home?
A limited palette, this does not necessarily have to be the classic black, white, and gray palette. The main thing is to keep the palette simple and to avoid brights or any complex color combinations. Neutrals work best paired with moody darks, whites, or mid-tone shades.
Image source: Unsplash
The furniture that works best needs to have sleek and clean lines without any ornate details. The elegant straight lines combined with the open and spacious feel your space will feel calm and relaxed.
Image source: Unsplash
Remember that everything needs to be functional and picked with purpose. And when picking your decor pieces the key is to control the elements you add to your space. Choose soft furnishings, decor accessories and wall prints that have a limited color palette and patterns. Avoid large floral prints, small busy prints, extravagant, and complicated designs that call too much attention to themselves.
Image source: Unsplash
The minimalist space works well with solid blocks of neutral colors to achieve a tranquil and relaxing feeling. When choosing wall prints or artwork hang. Pick them with purpose, so, select pieces that evoke a sense of tranquility. And fits in with the form and focus of the space.
Image source: Unsplash
Give these pieces a try for a clean uncluttered, simplistic minimalist look.
A Wall Of A Statement
Picture Source: Adapted from Unsplash.comHome is where we will be for the next while and if that is where we are going to be we might as well make the most of it. And with it being spring which is usually the season to spruce up our homes. There is no better time than now to inject happy and positive color and playful patterns into our homes. And not forgetting that we are on a bit of a tight budget we have a quick, affordable and easy way for you to brighten your living room and bedroom.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comCreate An Accent Wall
We all know what it feels like when you feel boxed in and all you can see around you is four white walls. Aagh!! That alone will drive you bananas. So, the solution, create an accent wall. You can, of course, paint your accent wall but there are more fun and creative ways to make a statement. And here are two of my favorites that will create interest and add texture in your living room or bedroom.
Dress it with a piece of your favorite fabric. This works the same as hanging wallpaper and using fabric with a large floral pattern will add color and added texture to your room.
Picture Source: Unsplash.comYou will need:
● Textile fabric
● Scissors
● Drop cloths
● Stepladder
● Laundry starch
● Paint roller with low-nap roller cover
● Paint tray
● Wallpaper smoothing tool
● Metal straightedge
● Sharp utility knife
Instructions:
Prepare the Fabric and the Walls. Opt for fabric with a large pattern like floral's and make sure that you have enough fabric to cover your chosen wall. Make sure the fabric is clean and dry. If you want to be sustainable have a look through your old flatbed sheets.
Cut the lengths of fabric to fit the wall, allowing about 2 inches of extra fabric at the top and the bottom, and along wall edges. Wash the wall down and dry it before you begin, and remove everything from the wall.
Apply Starch - You can use starch to attach the fabric to the wall. This will not damage the wall or the fabric and will allow for easy removal Cover your wall to avoid too much mess.
Apply the starch to the wall using a paint roller as this is less messy and faster than using a brush or dipping the fabric into a container of starch. Make sure to cover all of the wall surfaces completely.
Hang the Fabric - This will take patience, but it is not difficult. Apply the fabric while the starch is still damp, beginning in one corner and moving across the wall. Get the kids to help to make sure that everything goes on straight. Have a helper stand back from the wall to ensure the pattern remains properly aligned and that they match at the edges. Use a wallpaper smoothing tool to flatten the fabric against the wall.
Now, roll more starch over the fabric and let it dry
Trim the Fabric - Trim off the excess when the starch and fabric are dry to the touch, use a straightedge and sharp utility knife. Just be careful with the sharp blade
After Care:
You can keep it looking fresh clean by simply cleaning it with a sponge and some dish-washing detergent. When it comes time to remove the fabric, use a wet sponge and soak the corners until they come away from the walls. The fabric should peel right off.
Picture Source: Pexels.comThis is a brilliant idea for small spaces with boring white walls. Follow the step by step instruction Emily’s Blog Everything Emily Blog, on how to use black washi tape to create a repeat pattern.
An oldie but always a goodie is a Gallery wall. Gather all the old frames that you have laying around the house and fill it with new wall art.
Picture Source: Pexels.comStylish Gifts
The season of joy and giving is approaching and as every year the struggle to find the right gift for friends and family is once again a nightmare. So, to take the stress away we have compiled a list of stylish gift picks for every Him and Her and the kids. And to make it easier for you we kept it all under one roof, all gift ideas are available at Debenhams online or in-store
HAPPY SHOPPING !!
This sweet tasting Raspberry infused Gin is the perfect gift for the G&T connoisseur.
For the skin care junky a Clarins skin solution set is the ideal gift, and for the makeup enthusiast a makeup blockbuster gift set will offer the ultimate makeup collection that will last all year long.
For the fashion conscious the Jenny Packham - Black embellished diamond velvet bag, will be a flawless edition to her occasion handbag collection.
A bold Rum for a bold man, the Peaky Blinders black spiced Rum! Or, for the beer maker a DIY Beer or Cider making kit.
For the gym junky the Men’s Society gym kit is the ideal essential for his gym bag, and the Hammond and Co. by Patrick Grant - black leather hold-all is perfect gift for the man that loves to travel.
Gifts for the homemaker,the Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 coffee machine with its sleek space saving design is the ultimate gift for the coffee lover.
The Abigail Ahern multi coloured Leopard embroidered cushion will be a loved edition to the decor obsessed and pair that with a lamp from the MW -Matthew Williamson collection and she and her living room or bedroom will love you forever!
Last but not least the gold metal multi coloured glass lantern will be a great last minute gift or stocking filler.
For the sweet tooth give him or her their own Milkshake maker, and the Alice Scott, Pink and Green Palm Print 'Lunch Goals' Lunchbox for the #instagoals school girl.
For the creator and Lego builder the 'Jurassic World - Blue's Helicopter Pursuit' set, and for the gadget lover you can find a host of geeky gifts - from Smartphone photo printers to smartphone projectors.
Now that everyone else's presents are sorted...its time to make sure Santa knows what you want for yourself this Christmas!
HAPPY HINTING!!!