Right after I’d been to look at this property for the first time, an old friend stopped me in the street outside and asked, “You’re not really considering selling your gorgeous home for this house, are you? I could understand what she meant because the cottage was rather unappealing. Early on, I chose to
create two adjoining
houses, one for the bous and the other for me to live
in. We can spend time together when we want, but have our own separate
space too. I may sell their house when the boys have homes of their own
but for now it’s an arrangement that works well for us. I started to
redesign the floorplan of the existing layout and set about reshaping
it. I wanted to make it open-plan with an airy feel. Everything was
stripped out and the structure taken back to the timber frame. The
ceilings were removed and insulation added between the exposed beams
with plasterboard cut to fit between them. Every floor came up and
screeds were laid, wiring and plumbing were replaced, and all the beams
were blasted clean before being finished with an oil-based varnish. And
the windows had to be remade, apart from the leaded ones. By August I’d
bought the property and we moved into the front of the house.
I started to redesign the floorplan of the existing layout and set about
reshaping it. I wanted to make it open-plan with an airy feel. Everything was
stripped out and the structure taken back to the timber frame. The ceilings
were removed and insulation added between the exposed beams with plasterboard
cut to fit between them. Every floor came up and screeds were laid, wiring and
plumbing were replaced, and all the beams
were blasted clean before being finished with an oil-based varnish. And the
windows had to be remade, apart from the leaded ones. By August I’d bought the
property and we moved into the front of the house. We had a temporary kitchen
and living room and a makeshift bathroom. The plan was to work on the
unoccupied two-thirds of the building and then move into the renovated part
while the rest was completed. Last December we were still finishing the house,
so this will be our first proper Christmas since the work was completed. I’ve
used bright berries to decorate the shelves and sprigs of holly with clusters
of tiny red candles on the windowsills. I used the mantelpiece to display
decorations and candles in a creative way.,
I had a visión of how it could look, attractively embellished with scented candles by manufacturers such as yankee candles and true grace candles, as well as a plethora of other accessories. It had started off as six, one-up, one-down workers” cottages that had been transformed into a single property and general store. The plaster and render were hanging off the outside wall and only a little portion of the interior was in use. The rest of the place had been nearly unchanged for many years. I wanted to produce a contemporary look and felt positive I could handle it by myself since I’d decorated a number of flats and houses of my own, and I’d also done home design tasks for other people.
The author owns the Scented Candle Store specialising in scented candles by companies like true grace candles as well as other home fragrance items like the reed diffuser
Monday 19 December 2011
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Get Your House Ready For Christmas
Xmas is very much a household event for all of us and will begin on Xmas Eve as we all head over to midnight mass at a nearby chapel. Then it definitely gets going pretty early on Xmas Day as soon as the young children get up to discover a half-eaten carrot and reideer footprints on the ground by the open fireplace. All of us unwrap our large pesents, eat smoked salmon and sparkling wine, and have a old fashioned turkey meal with all the extras at 6pm, and then a delectable Christmas pudding that my mother produces using a family recipe - it’s fat-free but moistered with lots of booze. The dining room table is invariably stuffed with food but I also love to brighten it in order that it appears really luxurious and alluring. I take advantage of an modern combination of old and new pieces - everything from vintage candelabra to gold and silver bangle napkin rings, as well as plenty of vibrant baubles.
One area of the house that we like to really go to town on with decorating is in the hallway. We of course have a lovely wreath at the door ready to greet visitors. When they step indoors they are greeted with the smell from our scented candles - if they are lit - or of not, they can drink in the aroma from a number of reed diffusers which we dot around the hall. They are great for areas like this - which tend to be unoccupied or unattened for lengthy periods - because they do not rely on a flame for fragrance and can therfore safely be left to get on with doing their job of introducing delightful aromas to the hall way. The rest of the hall is festooned with glitter and tinsel. We hang it from dado rails and picture rails to really convey a Christmas image. Another unusual thing we do is take a branch from a tree and hang it in the hall way with ribbon. We decorate the branches with baubles and tinsel and then hang our Christmas cards from the brances. It is an old Italian family tradition and makes the house fell really Christmassy.
The rest of the house gets the same jolly treatment with adornments draped over the mantelpieces and up the stairways to ensure that everywhere looks nice and jolly. Scented candles play a big part - we love the gorgeous ones produced by true grace candles and yankee candles. We’ve lived here for 11 years and have made it really homely. When the estate agent showed us around, the house was divided into four down-at-heel bedsits. It was also the scene of a notorious crime of passion in which someone was shot on the first-floor landing. With the help of local builders we knocked down partition walls, removed kitchenettes and shower rooms and stripped away layer upon layer of paint. Incredibly we uncovered a host of original features, including Lincrusta wallcoverings in the hall and stairwell, a copper-panelled fireplace in the living room and a plaster frieze with cherubs in the conservatory. Although the house was built around 1835, we think a sea merchant bought it and spent a lot of money updating it in high Victorian style.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser
One area of the house that we like to really go to town on with decorating is in the hallway. We of course have a lovely wreath at the door ready to greet visitors. When they step indoors they are greeted with the smell from our scented candles - if they are lit - or of not, they can drink in the aroma from a number of reed diffusers which we dot around the hall. They are great for areas like this - which tend to be unoccupied or unattened for lengthy periods - because they do not rely on a flame for fragrance and can therfore safely be left to get on with doing their job of introducing delightful aromas to the hall way. The rest of the hall is festooned with glitter and tinsel. We hang it from dado rails and picture rails to really convey a Christmas image. Another unusual thing we do is take a branch from a tree and hang it in the hall way with ribbon. We decorate the branches with baubles and tinsel and then hang our Christmas cards from the brances. It is an old Italian family tradition and makes the house fell really Christmassy.
The rest of the house gets the same jolly treatment with adornments draped over the mantelpieces and up the stairways to ensure that everywhere looks nice and jolly. Scented candles play a big part - we love the gorgeous ones produced by true grace candles and yankee candles. We’ve lived here for 11 years and have made it really homely. When the estate agent showed us around, the house was divided into four down-at-heel bedsits. It was also the scene of a notorious crime of passion in which someone was shot on the first-floor landing. With the help of local builders we knocked down partition walls, removed kitchenettes and shower rooms and stripped away layer upon layer of paint. Incredibly we uncovered a host of original features, including Lincrusta wallcoverings in the hall and stairwell, a copper-panelled fireplace in the living room and a plaster frieze with cherubs in the conservatory. Although the house was built around 1835, we think a sea merchant bought it and spent a lot of money updating it in high Victorian style.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser
Sunday 11 December 2011
Get That Country Chic Look
The newest take on
country mixes the
renowned styles we already
really like -
classic farmhouse,
sophisticated French and
antique - so follow your heart,
combining and matching
items to help make the
style your own. Mix the
main ingredients - rustic wood,
conventional prints and layers of texture -
then add trendy finds to
produce a space that’s
cozy, peaceful and packed with
character. Find the best place, laid
back bordering on slouchy, this can be a
ideal look for an inviting family kitchen-diner or
laid-back living-room-cum-den. Be
aware of signature pieces, get started with a squashy couch
with layers of soft cushions - choose from
washed out florals, French stripes or large knits.
Include an aged-wood occasional table or
sideboard plus a washed out
rattan basket for throws. Make sure you have plenty of throws blankets and pillows on hand too. Not only do they add a touch of colour and style, but they also help keep you warm and cosy when the weather turns tat bit colder. Pick the best designs,
modern country mixes up the
basic lines of Shaker style, the
classy details of French provincial
décor along with the
sturdy feel of English cottage
craftsmanship. This kind of look is all about you - it may be robust
and pared-back or gentle and detailed, dependant upon your style. Choose a
comforting colour scheme, use
neutrals as the foundation and offseet
them with pastels (hints of sunlit yellow are very effective) and zinc grey.
Increase texture, opt for wood
so long as it’s natural and used,
whitewashed, or painted and peeling. Furnish with
clean ceramics, rattan and wirework
for old-fashioned texture and layers of linen for
cosiness. Include extras and details - scented
candles by good quality
makes for
instance yankee candles and true grace candles are usually a success. If you are ot very keen on scented candles then there are other choices available. You could go for something simple like a basic electric plug-in air fresghener, but this is hardly the most sopjhisticated option. If you are lokiing for something a little more classy them maybe the ideal thing would be a reed diffuser or maybe even a room spray. All the main brands now make these products and they are becoming increasingly popular. Glass provides an exquisite touch,
so use beauteous chandeliers,
fine display bottles and cnadlesticks, boosted
by curvy Venetian and white or gold-framed rococo mirrors. Pick
French-style furniture, look out for scroll-topped details on mirrors or
console tables, plus curvy shapes and painted finishes in soft shades of white,
cream or blue. The shabby chic look is all the range so just let your
imagination run wild.
Experiment
with a tougher edge by working in industrial elements such as reclaimed wood
and metal accessories. Buy second-hand wooden frames or update your own by
painting them in chalky white or cream. Mix shabby-chic pieces with elegant
accessories, choose classic patterns, when it comes to wallpaper and fabrics,
choose soft painterly roses, pastel-coloured toiles and stripes or grand
damasks in muted metallics.Choose the right fireplace, add character and warmth
to your room with an original, reproduction or modern fireplace.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser
country mixes the
renowned styles we already
really like -
classic farmhouse,
sophisticated French and
antique - so follow your heart,
combining and matching
items to help make the
style your own. Mix the
main ingredients - rustic wood,
conventional prints and layers of texture -
then add trendy finds to
produce a space that’s
cozy, peaceful and packed with
character. Find the best place, laid
back bordering on slouchy, this can be a
ideal look for an inviting family kitchen-diner or
laid-back living-room-cum-den. Be
aware of signature pieces, get started with a squashy couch
with layers of soft cushions - choose from
washed out florals, French stripes or large knits.
Include an aged-wood occasional table or
sideboard plus a washed out
rattan basket for throws. Make sure you have plenty of throws blankets and pillows on hand too. Not only do they add a touch of colour and style, but they also help keep you warm and cosy when the weather turns tat bit colder. Pick the best designs,
modern country mixes up the
basic lines of Shaker style, the
classy details of French provincial
décor along with the
sturdy feel of English cottage
craftsmanship. This kind of look is all about you - it may be robust
and pared-back or gentle and detailed, dependant upon your style. Choose a
comforting colour scheme, use
neutrals as the foundation and offseet
them with pastels (hints of sunlit yellow are very effective) and zinc grey.
Increase texture, opt for wood
so long as it’s natural and used,
whitewashed, or painted and peeling. Furnish with
clean ceramics, rattan and wirework
for old-fashioned texture and layers of linen for
cosiness. Include extras and details - scented
candles by good quality
makes for
instance yankee candles and true grace candles are usually a success. If you are ot very keen on scented candles then there are other choices available. You could go for something simple like a basic electric plug-in air fresghener, but this is hardly the most sopjhisticated option. If you are lokiing for something a little more classy them maybe the ideal thing would be a reed diffuser or maybe even a room spray. All the main brands now make these products and they are becoming increasingly popular. Glass provides an exquisite touch,
so use beauteous chandeliers,
fine display bottles and cnadlesticks, boosted
by curvy Venetian and white or gold-framed rococo mirrors. Pick
French-style furniture, look out for scroll-topped details on mirrors or
console tables, plus curvy shapes and painted finishes in soft shades of white,
cream or blue. The shabby chic look is all the range so just let your
imagination run wild.
Experiment
with a tougher edge by working in industrial elements such as reclaimed wood
and metal accessories. Buy second-hand wooden frames or update your own by
painting them in chalky white or cream. Mix shabby-chic pieces with elegant
accessories, choose classic patterns, when it comes to wallpaper and fabrics,
choose soft painterly roses, pastel-coloured toiles and stripes or grand
damasks in muted metallics.Choose the right fireplace, add character and warmth
to your room with an original, reproduction or modern fireplace.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser
Thursday 8 December 2011
Decorating In The Period Style
Rich colours,
a riot of patterns and deluxe textures are the essence of
neo-Victorian style . Unexpected items
become statement décor, so let
your imagination run wild !
Utilize New Victorian style
to create a remarkable
dining room , living room
or bedroom ,but be wary of applying a deeper colour
scheme in a small space- the result might look
cramped and oppressive. Know the key
pieces. A chesterfield or velvet sofa , or a
vintage-style armchair are the foundations ,
but the accessories pull this particular look together. Look for decorative book ends and animal
motifs. Choose the best shapes . From the swell of
a baloon-back easy chair to scrolled couch
arms or the arc of a bell jar, sweeping shapes are essential .
Use jewel
palettes. Ruby, amethyst and punchy peridot epitomise the modern Victorian look. Equally check out high-saturation plum, purple and mauve, balanced
out by burnished metallics. Add more different
textures. This look is high on feel-velvet, flocked wallpaper and worn
out leather all get together , accompanied
by darkish timber . Colour
your woodwork in a plendid wine red or plum colouring
to provide comfort and excitement
to the space . Merge revival products ,
distinctive antique finds plus your current décor to get
the contemporary feeling of this
look. Go with a vibrant
colour scheme like
ruby red and dark teal and make use of for carpets ,
seat covers and fabric as well as other extras such as scented
candles. There are tons to choose from however you cant go wrong with yankee candles or true grace candles. Try out dark polished
timber on the floor, and stunning
heritage tones on the walls.
In a smaller sized room , lighten
things up with paler greys and taupes on the walls .
Hang ~a more sophisticated wallpaper. Consider flock or damask showcasing complicated
floral designs or themes of nature either on
a full wall or, for a more traditional look, from the skirting board up to the
dado rail. The busy patterns can be toned down using designs in subtle shades,
while strong will make a real impact in a larger room.|
The author is owner if the Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of yankee candles and other home fragrances like the reed diffuser
a riot of patterns and deluxe textures are the essence of
neo-Victorian style . Unexpected items
become statement décor, so let
your imagination run wild !
Utilize New Victorian style
to create a remarkable
dining room , living room
or bedroom ,but be wary of applying a deeper colour
scheme in a small space- the result might look
cramped and oppressive. Know the key
pieces. A chesterfield or velvet sofa , or a
vintage-style armchair are the foundations ,
but the accessories pull this particular look together. Look for decorative book ends and animal
motifs. Choose the best shapes . From the swell of
a baloon-back easy chair to scrolled couch
arms or the arc of a bell jar, sweeping shapes are essential .
Use jewel
palettes. Ruby, amethyst and punchy peridot epitomise the modern Victorian look. Equally check out high-saturation plum, purple and mauve, balanced
out by burnished metallics. Add more different
textures. This look is high on feel-velvet, flocked wallpaper and worn
out leather all get together , accompanied
by darkish timber . Colour
your woodwork in a plendid wine red or plum colouring
to provide comfort and excitement
to the space . Merge revival products ,
distinctive antique finds plus your current décor to get
the contemporary feeling of this
look. Go with a vibrant
colour scheme like
ruby red and dark teal and make use of for carpets ,
seat covers and fabric as well as other extras such as scented
candles. There are tons to choose from however you cant go wrong with yankee candles or true grace candles. Try out dark polished
timber on the floor, and stunning
heritage tones on the walls.
In a smaller sized room , lighten
things up with paler greys and taupes on the walls .
Hang ~a more sophisticated wallpaper. Consider flock or damask showcasing complicated
floral designs or themes of nature either on
a full wall or, for a more traditional look, from the skirting board up to the
dado rail. The busy patterns can be toned down using designs in subtle shades,
while strong will make a real impact in a larger room.|
The author is owner if the Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of yankee candles and other home fragrances like the reed diffuser
Wednesday 7 December 2011
How To Pick The Right Oven For Chrismas Lunch
A range oven isn’t only for Christmas… however more than enough room and functions mean there’s no better method to prepare your turkey banquet. The christmas period has several issues - by way of example, where can you conceal the gifts from the youngsters and also the xeres from the kids and the sherry from Aunty Jean? By far the most cold-sweat causing, nevertheless, has to be organizing Xmas dinner - except if you posses a range stove with all the convenience to crack all the timings involved with military exactness. A lot of people will have space for a 90-120cm stove, or one can find 60cm-wide ¡mini! Ranges for people really low on spacce. Yet the primary query to ask yourself is, “What kind of cook am?” Is the crescendo of one's cooking week a Sunday roast with your loved ones? In this case, you can require a substantial range for joint, a smaller one for the spuds, as well as a few zones or burners for the carrots. So what is the best option on the subject of ranges?
Types of oven. Gas produces water vapour as it burns, which means you can get moist cakes or biscuits plus more juicy roasts because of this. It’s also inexpensive to cook with - data from Which? Demonstrate that by using an electrical range, grill and hob for An hour Twenty minutes regularly, it’ll cost around £53 yearly, as opposed to £16 for gas. Electrical ranges get warmer at the top and less hot at the base, but those that have a fan supply a more even temperature. Multifunctional electric powered ranges permit you to use a variety of mixtures of heat, for instance bottom only for crisping, top only for browning, and the fan for de-frosting.
Selection of hob. Opt for gas and you’ll find a burner for almost every event, from a gentle 1.5kW for simmering to strong wok burners at a minimum of 5kW. Electric induction hobs deliver the epitome of control, speed, security (the top only gets hot in the event the saucepan is in position) as well as simple maintanence. But, they only work with ferrous-based saucepans, plus they’re higher priced than gas or other sorts of electrical hob.
So, now that you've learned a tad about the types of range to choose from, chill out, plan carefully and maybe even light a few scented candles in the kitchen to put you at ease - we recommend the ones by True Grace candles as well as Yankee candles. Drink in their lovely fragrances and soon everything will go as you hoped. Everyone around you may be buzzing about full of the frenetic pace associated with Christmas day but you will be calmness personified. Your scented candles have helped you to relax and you are confident in your newly acquired knowledge that you have the correct equipment on hand to do the big festive meal justice!Take things slowly follow your carefully prepared schedule and a triumphant meal is sure. One word of caution, however, about scented candles - they smel great and the good quality ones can really help you unwind, but sometimes they don/t go quite that well with food. So if you are lighting candles at the dinner table we would recommend you use unscented ones so they don't interfere with anyones taste buds.
The author owns the Scented Candle Store, supplying a wide choice of scented candles as well as other home fragrances like the reed diffuser
Types of oven. Gas produces water vapour as it burns, which means you can get moist cakes or biscuits plus more juicy roasts because of this. It’s also inexpensive to cook with - data from Which? Demonstrate that by using an electrical range, grill and hob for An hour Twenty minutes regularly, it’ll cost around £53 yearly, as opposed to £16 for gas. Electrical ranges get warmer at the top and less hot at the base, but those that have a fan supply a more even temperature. Multifunctional electric powered ranges permit you to use a variety of mixtures of heat, for instance bottom only for crisping, top only for browning, and the fan for de-frosting.
Selection of hob. Opt for gas and you’ll find a burner for almost every event, from a gentle 1.5kW for simmering to strong wok burners at a minimum of 5kW. Electric induction hobs deliver the epitome of control, speed, security (the top only gets hot in the event the saucepan is in position) as well as simple maintanence. But, they only work with ferrous-based saucepans, plus they’re higher priced than gas or other sorts of electrical hob.
So, now that you've learned a tad about the types of range to choose from, chill out, plan carefully and maybe even light a few scented candles in the kitchen to put you at ease - we recommend the ones by True Grace candles as well as Yankee candles. Drink in their lovely fragrances and soon everything will go as you hoped. Everyone around you may be buzzing about full of the frenetic pace associated with Christmas day but you will be calmness personified. Your scented candles have helped you to relax and you are confident in your newly acquired knowledge that you have the correct equipment on hand to do the big festive meal justice!Take things slowly follow your carefully prepared schedule and a triumphant meal is sure. One word of caution, however, about scented candles - they smel great and the good quality ones can really help you unwind, but sometimes they don/t go quite that well with food. So if you are lighting candles at the dinner table we would recommend you use unscented ones so they don't interfere with anyones taste buds.
The author owns the Scented Candle Store, supplying a wide choice of scented candles as well as other home fragrances like the reed diffuser
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Ring The Changes This Holiday Season With Red & White Decor
Are you sick and tired of your old \ outdated Christmas
decorations ? Would you like to try out
something a little different this year ? If
that's the case most likely , the simplest way to begin
is with another colour scheme . Make use of red and white for a traditional Xmas display . As stated , this is a typical Christmas blend - reminiscent of Santa - and it is perfect for getting stylish
Scandi-meets-folk look. It is ideal for decorations and baubles, but try to use it on not only decorations - add a gingham or
red-and-white striped runner on the table for Christmas lunch ,
and cosy up couches with tartan throws .
One thing which I always remember at Christmas was putting the tree up. On those days it was always a real tree - artificial trees just did not seem or look right. We would drag the tree indoors and my Dad would make sure it was firmly in place in a bucket surrounded by dirt and pebbles to hopefully keep it secure for the next few weeks. But what has that got to do with red and white decorations I hear you ask? Well, you had to decorate the bucket of course! And the only acceptable way of doing this was with bright crimson crepe paper which was ornately would round the bucket for a truly festive look, before it was topped off with a layer of cotton wool to resemble snow. Old fashioned maybe but it was a lobvely tradition and one that can still be done easliy and inexpensively these days.
Scented
candles are extremely popular
at this time of year and of course they also make a great and inexpensive Christmas present . The good thing
is that in addition to a plethora
of different scents it's easy
to purchase them in a staggering
range of tones also. When you have decided on a red and White decorating
design, then you wll have no hassle
in the least in finding both red and White
scented candles to suit. Many of the
key makers for example True Grace candles and Yankee candles produce a special
collection of home fragrances designed
for Christmas and not surprisingly red and White feature noticeably.
Pick out both your home and tree ornaments
produced from
felt or wool with crocheted or padded aspects
for that really lush handmade
feel that is so very much modish.
Hand-painted real wood items and lace styles
have the crafted appearance, also. Be natural, deck the
halls using ivy, eucalyptus, berries and pine cones as opposed to the customary
tinsel. Co-ordinate the gifts, gift wrap them in brown paper,
or plain red or white, for a quick backdrop to attractive
ribbons - choose from red and white gingham,
stripes, white lace and ribbon stitched with Seasonal
messages. Put on tags with garden cord.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store supplying a range of scented candles as well as other home fragrances such as the reed diffuser
decorations ? Would you like to try out
something a little different this year ? If
that's the case most likely , the simplest way to begin
is with another colour scheme . Make use of red and white for a traditional Xmas display . As stated , this is a typical Christmas blend - reminiscent of Santa - and it is perfect for getting stylish
Scandi-meets-folk look. It is ideal for decorations and baubles, but try to use it on not only decorations - add a gingham or
red-and-white striped runner on the table for Christmas lunch ,
and cosy up couches with tartan throws .
One thing which I always remember at Christmas was putting the tree up. On those days it was always a real tree - artificial trees just did not seem or look right. We would drag the tree indoors and my Dad would make sure it was firmly in place in a bucket surrounded by dirt and pebbles to hopefully keep it secure for the next few weeks. But what has that got to do with red and white decorations I hear you ask? Well, you had to decorate the bucket of course! And the only acceptable way of doing this was with bright crimson crepe paper which was ornately would round the bucket for a truly festive look, before it was topped off with a layer of cotton wool to resemble snow. Old fashioned maybe but it was a lobvely tradition and one that can still be done easliy and inexpensively these days.
Scented
candles are extremely popular
at this time of year and of course they also make a great and inexpensive Christmas present . The good thing
is that in addition to a plethora
of different scents it's easy
to purchase them in a staggering
range of tones also. When you have decided on a red and White decorating
design, then you wll have no hassle
in the least in finding both red and White
scented candles to suit. Many of the
key makers for example True Grace candles and Yankee candles produce a special
collection of home fragrances designed
for Christmas and not surprisingly red and White feature noticeably.
Pick out both your home and tree ornaments
produced from
felt or wool with crocheted or padded aspects
for that really lush handmade
feel that is so very much modish.
Hand-painted real wood items and lace styles
have the crafted appearance, also. Be natural, deck the
halls using ivy, eucalyptus, berries and pine cones as opposed to the customary
tinsel. Co-ordinate the gifts, gift wrap them in brown paper,
or plain red or white, for a quick backdrop to attractive
ribbons - choose from red and white gingham,
stripes, white lace and ribbon stitched with Seasonal
messages. Put on tags with garden cord.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store supplying a range of scented candles as well as other home fragrances such as the reed diffuser
Monday 5 December 2011
White Is The Stylish New Colour For Your Kitchen
Everyone have dreamed of a white Xmas, which means that make it fact in your kitchen-diner this holiday season. Think white and bright for that fresh, up to date look and give it that with it Scandinavian effect by adding designer-style fixtures with tidy lines in addition to natural colors and textures. Buying a kitchen is key, so begin with the basics. You will want glossy-white units aand clean surfaces to achieve the fashionable, pared-back finish that creates this look, while ice-blue wall surfaces that look like a frosty sky will give you an excellent backdrop. Subsequently, add key accents to remodel it into a wonderful Seasonal setting. Go for flickering candlelight for luster, and exquisite metallic and glass details to mirror the light. Finish off the holiday setting through wintry motifs along with subtle silvery-blue decor. Scented candles are perfect at this time of the year. Try and get the finest you can afford - tey are so superior tan cheaper ítems. We esprcially enjoy those that are created by Yankee candles and True Grace candles.Establish a clean backdrop, to help make this look deliver the results, a vivid white kitchen is crucial. Follow a minimal design and style with plain-fronted doors in a handleless style. Make it eeven sleeker by matching the wortops to the doors, so that the kitchen looks like a single piece of contemporary furniture. For a sharp finish, choose a cool shade like ice-blue for the walls. It will appear clean in the summer months and wonderfully cool come winter time. Bring heat to the design using a basic pine table and coir carpet to introduce a bit of natural colours and materials. Stick to a mixture of white, silver and pale blue to get a trendy, contemporary Xmas table setting. For some thing a little unique, incorporate several table runners over the breadth of the table, instead of down the length, and top with uncomplicated white china. Metallic wine glasses and minuscule crackers convey a stylish finishing touch.
Just remember once you have the place looking the way you want it, a new kitchen can sometimes look a little bit cold and univiting. That is why it is important to accessorise a new kitchen as best you can to make it feel a little more homely and comfortable. You will be amazed at the transformation that can take place with a few candles, some artwork or even a nice wall clock.
The author owns The Scented Candle Store supplying a range of scented candles and also "the new kid on the block" when it comes to home fragrances, the reed diffuser
Just remember once you have the place looking the way you want it, a new kitchen can sometimes look a little bit cold and univiting. That is why it is important to accessorise a new kitchen as best you can to make it feel a little more homely and comfortable. You will be amazed at the transformation that can take place with a few candles, some artwork or even a nice wall clock.
The author owns The Scented Candle Store supplying a range of scented candles and also "the new kid on the block" when it comes to home fragrances, the reed diffuser
Thursday 1 December 2011
Give An Old Piece Of Furniture A New Look
Begin by
checking the table. Give it a good clean
up to get rid of any sort of debris
or grime. In the event the legs are
shaky and require fasteners securing
or any repairs using wood adhesive, carry out these
initially and permit any glue to
dry up completely. Flip the table the other way up on a bit of
newspaper or lining paper. Set the straight back
border of the particular table parallel to the side of the newspaper allowing 1.5cm
excess - this should fold down at the back to get a
clean finish. Hold the table
solidly and sketch about it using a pencil. Cut the newspaper
layout out and place it to 1 side. Give the table
a brief scrub down with the help of
fine sand paper to eradicate any bumps and lumps, and key the top, and
then rub the debris off using a rag. Utilize a brush to put
on a thin, even coating of leaf metal size on one of the
supports and then leave for Fifteen minutes till tacky.
With care set a
layer of leaf metal upon the size and
then delicately smooth into position
using your finger or a delicate brush. Go round the
leg, then you should set
a further sheet
of leaf butted up near the 1st and smooth that into position also - don't get worried if it overlaps slightly, but
steer clear of having breaks. Work your way over the full leg. Go
on to leaf each of the legs, together with
the leading side of the table. Use leaf
a little onto the top area also so
you don't see any breaks when the
wallpaper is stuck on. Leave for 2-3 hours to dry out
adequately. Once totally dry, paint several coatings
of transparent varnish on the leaf to protect it - without this, the silver could
mark quite easily. Roll the
wallpaper on ground level with the
imprinted section way up and position
the newspaper template in the best position to make the
most of the layout. Sketch round the
template and carefully cut the semi circle out. Apply a
layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the paper
shape. Lift the paper carefully so it doesn’t rip, and place it on top of the table. Use a soft dry cloth to smooth over the paper to
stick it in place. Fold the straight back
edge over and glue that down, then allow to dry thoroughly.
Once that has been done you are just about finished. All you will probably want
to do is to find the ideal spot to sit your newly refurbished table - perhaps along side your favourite armchair or in a corner somewhere - and also
get hold of one or two accessories to show it off in the best possible light.
There are lots of little trinkets available, such as photo frames or ornaments, or you could go for a nice table lamp in a sympathetic style,
but personally we love scented candles. We particularly enjoy the luxury ones
made by top brands like Yankee
candles and True Grace
candles, but there are plenty of other company's products to choose from.
Pick up one or two, sit them casually on your "new" table and you are
all set for a relaxing casual evening. Drink in the fragrance from the candles as they slowly fill your room and sit back and admire your handiwork.
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store supplying awide range of scented candles and otherhome fragrance products such as a reeddiffuser
checking the table. Give it a good clean
up to get rid of any sort of debris
or grime. In the event the legs are
shaky and require fasteners securing
or any repairs using wood adhesive, carry out these
initially and permit any glue to
dry up completely. Flip the table the other way up on a bit of
newspaper or lining paper. Set the straight back
border of the particular table parallel to the side of the newspaper allowing 1.5cm
excess - this should fold down at the back to get a
clean finish. Hold the table
solidly and sketch about it using a pencil. Cut the newspaper
layout out and place it to 1 side. Give the table
a brief scrub down with the help of
fine sand paper to eradicate any bumps and lumps, and key the top, and
then rub the debris off using a rag. Utilize a brush to put
on a thin, even coating of leaf metal size on one of the
supports and then leave for Fifteen minutes till tacky.
With care set a
layer of leaf metal upon the size and
then delicately smooth into position
using your finger or a delicate brush. Go round the
leg, then you should set
a further sheet
of leaf butted up near the 1st and smooth that into position also - don't get worried if it overlaps slightly, but
steer clear of having breaks. Work your way over the full leg. Go
on to leaf each of the legs, together with
the leading side of the table. Use leaf
a little onto the top area also so
you don't see any breaks when the
wallpaper is stuck on. Leave for 2-3 hours to dry out
adequately. Once totally dry, paint several coatings
of transparent varnish on the leaf to protect it - without this, the silver could
mark quite easily. Roll the
wallpaper on ground level with the
imprinted section way up and position
the newspaper template in the best position to make the
most of the layout. Sketch round the
template and carefully cut the semi circle out. Apply a
layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the paper
shape. Lift the paper carefully so it doesn’t rip, and place it on top of the table. Use a soft dry cloth to smooth over the paper to
stick it in place. Fold the straight back
edge over and glue that down, then allow to dry thoroughly.
Once that has been done you are just about finished. All you will probably want
to do is to find the ideal spot to sit your newly refurbished table - perhaps along side your favourite armchair or in a corner somewhere - and also
get hold of one or two accessories to show it off in the best possible light.
There are lots of little trinkets available, such as photo frames or ornaments, or you could go for a nice table lamp in a sympathetic style,
but personally we love scented candles. We particularly enjoy the luxury ones
made by top brands like Yankee
candles and True Grace
candles, but there are plenty of other company's products to choose from.
Pick up one or two, sit them casually on your "new" table and you are
all set for a relaxing casual evening. Drink in the fragrance from the candles as they slowly fill your room and sit back and admire your handiwork.
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store supplying awide range of scented candles and otherhome fragrance products such as a reeddiffuser
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Give Your Hallway A Fresh New Look
Lanterns, big bowls and scented candles are all hallway must-haves in our book. As substantial as how a household looks, is how it smells so it makes sense to have some stunning scented candles within the reception hall to greet visitors with their lovely aromas. You will find really plenty of organizations to select from but we specifically like the stunning candles made by brands like Yankee candles and True Grace candles, to name but two. And in case you're not comfy with the thought of leaving a lit candle unattended in the hall for a lengthy time period, you can usually go for a reed diffuser which demands no light or power to operate. Merely open the bottle of scented oil, pop inside the reeds and rapidly turn them over to begin filling the space with subtle aroma. And you'll find plenty of other suggestions you may wish to take on board. Add a vase of flowers for a touch of greenery. Stay away from placing them too close to a radiator - or go for a fake one. Have fun having a couple of signs directing to rooms. Vintage "Wash room" and "To the garden" ones will give your space character. As hallways generally have greater ceilings than other rooms, make probably the most in the space and hang a sparkling chandelier. For a hotel-lobby really feel, go for an oversized drum pendant shade (60cm diameter or bigger). Choose out 1 getting a diffuser circle for the bottom with the shade, so you don't see the flex and bulb as soon as you appear up. As well as ceiling lighting other kinds of lighting can have a significant bearing on the way your hallway will look. In fact, as a decorative effect, lighting is very often overlooked and that is a real shame. By creating pockets of light you can transform a one dimensional space like a hall or small room into a much more dramtic space, so make sure when you are thinking about the best way to inject some glam into your hall you give some decent thought to how you are going to light the place up. Add a table lamp to give your hallway a warm glow, generating use with the major light to highlight the stairs as and when needed. Choose on a slim style or go for a tall cylindrical ceramic 1. You'll find an almost infinite assortment of shades to select from, so let your imagination run wild.And becvause there is such a vast assortment out there you will easily find somethinmg which meets both your needs and your budget. There is absolutely no need to break the bank just to get your lighting right! Every supermarket now boasts a great selection of wall, floor and table lamps so you should have no difficulty finding a style of lamp that you like. And don't forget those beautiful candles. Yankee candles are our favourites but there are lots of otherhoices out there besides them - the even make a reed diffuser too!
The author owns The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of luxury scented candles, including Yankee candles and True Grace candles
The author owns The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of luxury scented candles, including Yankee candles and True Grace candles
Saturday 26 November 2011
Preparing For Christmas Lunch
In the course of the summer I stated
to my family members that I would have everyone over for Christmas dinner. Then in September it suddenly dawned on me that though the rest of my home was in excellent shape, my living room was
in desperate need of decorating. Somehow, time just seemed to fly by
and it wasn't until early autumn that I started to consider what to do with
the room . The deadline was quick
approaching and I had to get cracking and ensure it was ready in time. My home is full of distinct shades of teal as it's my favourite colour, so I picked
a bold patterned wallpaper as well as a deep shade of paint for the walls to tie in with the other
rooms. I wanted to develop an
intimate and welcoming room full of character, and add a touch of
sparkle with a lot of lovely
glimmering silver accessories. Riping out the stone-clad fireplace was a pretty messy job, so I hired a nearby handyman to come
in and chip the entire lot off and replaster the
walls. It took two weeks before the plaster was dry and I could commence transforming the room .
Luckily , I managed to get the painting and
wallpapering completed in a day , but stripping back the floorboards and staining them took the
very best component of a weekend. I actually enjoy the original floorboards and wanted to show them off, so I chose a rich chocolate colour to disguise any marks. The concept
of a working fireplace has been some thing I’ve often wanted,
so I had the hearth swept and checked by a expert ready for the contemporary wood-burning stove. It
makes a lovely focal point within the room .
To finish off the living room I wanted to treat myself to some new
sofas, but the ones I liked couldn’t be delivered in time for
Christmas. So I came up with the concept of sofa
covers, which could be with me in a couple of
weeks. It was such an straightforward way of revamping tired-looking sofas - I’m genuinely impressed with how excellent
they look . The gorgeous pressed-metal chest of drawers arrived in plenty of time
and it inspired me to add a lot more
silvery touches to the room . I then picked up the tub
chair and silver Morrocan-style pouf so everybody had
a place to sit on. All I then needed to do
was choose several my favourite scented candles and that was that!
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store supplying a wide range of roducts such as Yankee candles and True Grace candles
to my family members that I would have everyone over for Christmas dinner. Then in September it suddenly dawned on me that though the rest of my home was in excellent shape, my living room was
in desperate need of decorating. Somehow, time just seemed to fly by
and it wasn't until early autumn that I started to consider what to do with
the room . The deadline was quick
approaching and I had to get cracking and ensure it was ready in time. My home is full of distinct shades of teal as it's my favourite colour, so I picked
a bold patterned wallpaper as well as a deep shade of paint for the walls to tie in with the other
rooms. I wanted to develop an
intimate and welcoming room full of character, and add a touch of
sparkle with a lot of lovely
glimmering silver accessories. Riping out the stone-clad fireplace was a pretty messy job, so I hired a nearby handyman to come
in and chip the entire lot off and replaster the
walls. It took two weeks before the plaster was dry and I could commence transforming the room .
Luckily , I managed to get the painting and
wallpapering completed in a day , but stripping back the floorboards and staining them took the
very best component of a weekend. I actually enjoy the original floorboards and wanted to show them off, so I chose a rich chocolate colour to disguise any marks. The concept
of a working fireplace has been some thing I’ve often wanted,
so I had the hearth swept and checked by a expert ready for the contemporary wood-burning stove. It
makes a lovely focal point within the room .
To finish off the living room I wanted to treat myself to some new
sofas, but the ones I liked couldn’t be delivered in time for
Christmas. So I came up with the concept of sofa
covers, which could be with me in a couple of
weeks. It was such an straightforward way of revamping tired-looking sofas - I’m genuinely impressed with how excellent
they look . The gorgeous pressed-metal chest of drawers arrived in plenty of time
and it inspired me to add a lot more
silvery touches to the room . I then picked up the tub
chair and silver Morrocan-style pouf so everybody had
a place to sit on. All I then needed to do
was choose several my favourite scented candles and that was that!
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store supplying a wide range of roducts such as Yankee candles and True Grace candles
Friday 25 November 2011
Brighten Things Up This Christmas
The time of year has come when you venture up to the attic to dig
out your boxes of baubles and tinsel . However, for a
fun look, why not buy a handful of novelty decorations to add them to
those you already have ? Most of us like to stick to the same key colours at
Christmas, such a classic red and gold or elegant silver and white, but
just adding a London telephone box or a peacock feather to your tree
can make it special without a big change to your look or budget . Follow our guide to shaking up your Christmas
decor with some quirky tree decorations . Group novelty baubles on your tree in threes or fives for a
sense of order, and make sure you stick to one theme . Why not try this
season's on-trend woodland look, or go patriotic with a Union Jack
theme ?. Fancy being
a little creative ? Make your own Christmas cards this year
using novelty decorations . Not only will this save you money, but it
means you can give something very personlised to your friends and
family . Just think of the level of satisfaction you will feel
having achieved this . Simply hunt out a selection of baubles that
you like, ensuring that they are flat, stick them on to folded card with
glue or double-sided tape and send to friends and family . We
all love those piles of beautifully wrapped presents under the tree,
but make them extra special by attaching a bauble or two with a
ribbon .
It'll make the pressies stand out even more, as well as adding lots of
colour and pattern . Baubles
aren't just for the tree . Venture into the dining room with your novelty
decorations and use them as quirky napkin rings . Use the baubles' string to fasten to each napkin .And last but not least remember a few scented candles like the ones made by Yankee candles to give your home a real sense of comfort
The author is the owner of the Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of scented candles, aswell as other home fragrances such as a reed diffuser.
out your boxes of baubles and tinsel . However, for a
fun look, why not buy a handful of novelty decorations to add them to
those you already have ? Most of us like to stick to the same key colours at
Christmas, such a classic red and gold or elegant silver and white, but
just adding a London telephone box or a peacock feather to your tree
can make it special without a big change to your look or budget . Follow our guide to shaking up your Christmas
decor with some quirky tree decorations . Group novelty baubles on your tree in threes or fives for a
sense of order, and make sure you stick to one theme . Why not try this
season's on-trend woodland look, or go patriotic with a Union Jack
theme ?. Fancy being
a little creative ? Make your own Christmas cards this year
using novelty decorations . Not only will this save you money, but it
means you can give something very personlised to your friends and
family . Just think of the level of satisfaction you will feel
having achieved this . Simply hunt out a selection of baubles that
you like, ensuring that they are flat, stick them on to folded card with
glue or double-sided tape and send to friends and family . We
all love those piles of beautifully wrapped presents under the tree,
but make them extra special by attaching a bauble or two with a
ribbon .
It'll make the pressies stand out even more, as well as adding lots of
colour and pattern . Baubles
aren't just for the tree . Venture into the dining room with your novelty
decorations and use them as quirky napkin rings . Use the baubles' string to fasten to each napkin .And last but not least remember a few scented candles like the ones made by Yankee candles to give your home a real sense of comfort
The author is the owner of the Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of scented candles, aswell as other home fragrances such as a reed diffuser.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Introduce Some Colour To Your Decorative Theme This Holiday Season
To give your
home a really eye catching look this holiday season - and of course for the
rest of the year - introduce some bold, bright colours to your decor . Mix cranberry
red with neutral grey . The contrast of
the bold red and subtle slate is simple and striking . It makes for a very contemporary blend, so it is a good idea to
make sure any furnishings have a sleek modern look . Create a Christmas-style light fitting by hanging
baubles here and there on the ceiling, while you can easily decorate the dining
table or sideboard with a selection of jar candles or simply an elegant
candlestick or two . Bring a fanciful flourish to your
hall with a pretty painted silhoutte around the door . Use a pale grey on the walls, but pick a deeper grey
for at least one piece of furniture to add deptn . What is the
best way to use berry shades to create a seasonal look ? Keep them as an
accent if you're going to play it safe and only accessorise with berry shades,
the obvious companions are grey and white . If you're feeling adventurous, other striking combinations
are cassis and navy or raspberry and aqua blue . Dot them
around the wall . Deeper
colours such as cassis and cranberry will give a cosy feel, while sharper tones
of magenta and raspberry will look crisp and contemporary, especially when
teamed with white.There are plenty of different
accessories to be found in these colours, ranging from
simple items like cushions for the living room or bedroom, to
those perennial favourites aromatic candles
, from quality brands like Yankee
candles and True Grace
candles There is an abundance of both colours and aromas available . There's a big trend now for breaking old decorating rules
and clashing colour .
Where previously you would want to ensure that colours schemes worked with one
another , now
the trend is for the opposite. Clashing colours create an eye catching design
and is the new look for this season. Bold colours look best under bright
lights, so include plenty of task lighting in your scheme from floor and table
lamps to wall lights to iluminate an alcove .
The author owns the Scented Candle store where you will finda range of scented candles and otherhome fragrances including the contemorary alternative to candles, the reeddiffuser.
home a really eye catching look this holiday season - and of course for the
rest of the year - introduce some bold, bright colours to your decor . Mix cranberry
red with neutral grey . The contrast of
the bold red and subtle slate is simple and striking . It makes for a very contemporary blend, so it is a good idea to
make sure any furnishings have a sleek modern look . Create a Christmas-style light fitting by hanging
baubles here and there on the ceiling, while you can easily decorate the dining
table or sideboard with a selection of jar candles or simply an elegant
candlestick or two . Bring a fanciful flourish to your
hall with a pretty painted silhoutte around the door . Use a pale grey on the walls, but pick a deeper grey
for at least one piece of furniture to add deptn . What is the
best way to use berry shades to create a seasonal look ? Keep them as an
accent if you're going to play it safe and only accessorise with berry shades,
the obvious companions are grey and white . If you're feeling adventurous, other striking combinations
are cassis and navy or raspberry and aqua blue . Dot them
around the wall . Deeper
colours such as cassis and cranberry will give a cosy feel, while sharper tones
of magenta and raspberry will look crisp and contemporary, especially when
teamed with white.There are plenty of different
accessories to be found in these colours, ranging from
simple items like cushions for the living room or bedroom, to
those perennial favourites aromatic candles
, from quality brands like Yankee
candles and True Grace
candles There is an abundance of both colours and aromas available . There's a big trend now for breaking old decorating rules
and clashing colour .
Where previously you would want to ensure that colours schemes worked with one
another , now
the trend is for the opposite. Clashing colours create an eye catching design
and is the new look for this season. Bold colours look best under bright
lights, so include plenty of task lighting in your scheme from floor and table
lamps to wall lights to iluminate an alcove .
The author owns the Scented Candle store where you will finda range of scented candles and otherhome fragrances including the contemorary alternative to candles, the reeddiffuser.
Thursday 17 November 2011
Give Your Home A Simple Inexpensive Makeover
There are lots of different ways you can give your home a new look, not
all of which need involve major upheaval or indeed expense . Now, some jobs
like fitting a new kitchen or bathroom fall into the category of major
tasks . These
require a considerable degree of planning and unless you are very
thrifty, they are also likely to be quite costly . These kind of tasks also involve a degree of upheaval in the
home as building work goes on . However, if you simply want to freshen things up at
home without breaking the bank, do not be put off . You could simply give a
room a fresh lick of paint or hang some new wallpaper . Either of these two steps
can make significant difference to the way your home looks. If,
however, you do not even want to do this much, then the answer to giving
your place a makeover almost certainly lies in the careful selection of
accessories for the home . This does not need to involve you in a lot of expense . Just think how inviting a bowl
or vase of fresh flowers can look . Pick
flowers which are just a little out of the ordinary, such as orchids,
for maximum visual impact . If
you are not a fan of fresh flowers, then what about some lovely scented candles?
Scented
candles and other home fragrance items like room sprays and reed
diffusers have never been more popular . The beauty of
scented candles is that they can be found in just about every different
colour you could imagine, to say nothing of the hundreds of different
fragrances available . Try some of the well known brands of candles like Yankee candles or the beautiful candles made in England by True Grace candles
Two or three scented candles dotted aroumd the home can make a lovely
display, whether they are lit or not . In
fact, some people just buy them as an ornament, never actually lighting
them - although that does seem to us to be a bit of a waste . Another great way of giving any
room in your home an attractive new look is with some new wall hangings
or artwork. This need not cost the earth. Buy a print from your local
arts and crafts shop and pop it in a simple black frame . You will be surprised how attractive this can look against
a neutral backdrop . The list of accessories does not need to end there. Simple ideas like hanging a mirror in a small room can have a dramtic impact. You can jazz up a dull sofa or chairs with trhe addition of some bright zany cushions or maybe a luxurious throw in either lambswool or, if you are feeling really flush, cashmere. Photo frames are another great idea for adding interest to any room. Simply place them casually on shelves, on cofee tables or sideboards or even on top of the matelpiece for an attractive, elegant look.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies scented candles and other home fragrance products such as the reed diffuser.
all of which need involve major upheaval or indeed expense . Now, some jobs
like fitting a new kitchen or bathroom fall into the category of major
tasks . These
require a considerable degree of planning and unless you are very
thrifty, they are also likely to be quite costly . These kind of tasks also involve a degree of upheaval in the
home as building work goes on . However, if you simply want to freshen things up at
home without breaking the bank, do not be put off . You could simply give a
room a fresh lick of paint or hang some new wallpaper . Either of these two steps
can make significant difference to the way your home looks. If,
however, you do not even want to do this much, then the answer to giving
your place a makeover almost certainly lies in the careful selection of
accessories for the home . This does not need to involve you in a lot of expense . Just think how inviting a bowl
or vase of fresh flowers can look . Pick
flowers which are just a little out of the ordinary, such as orchids,
for maximum visual impact . If
you are not a fan of fresh flowers, then what about some lovely scented candles?
Scented
candles and other home fragrance items like room sprays and reed
diffusers have never been more popular . The beauty of
scented candles is that they can be found in just about every different
colour you could imagine, to say nothing of the hundreds of different
fragrances available . Try some of the well known brands of candles like Yankee candles or the beautiful candles made in England by True Grace candles
Two or three scented candles dotted aroumd the home can make a lovely
display, whether they are lit or not . In
fact, some people just buy them as an ornament, never actually lighting
them - although that does seem to us to be a bit of a waste . Another great way of giving any
room in your home an attractive new look is with some new wall hangings
or artwork. This need not cost the earth. Buy a print from your local
arts and crafts shop and pop it in a simple black frame . You will be surprised how attractive this can look against
a neutral backdrop . The list of accessories does not need to end there. Simple ideas like hanging a mirror in a small room can have a dramtic impact. You can jazz up a dull sofa or chairs with trhe addition of some bright zany cushions or maybe a luxurious throw in either lambswool or, if you are feeling really flush, cashmere. Photo frames are another great idea for adding interest to any room. Simply place them casually on shelves, on cofee tables or sideboards or even on top of the matelpiece for an attractive, elegant look.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies scented candles and other home fragrance products such as the reed diffuser.
Wednesday 16 November 2011
Give Your Home A Fresh New Look
When it came to redecorating our home
we decided to try to take our time do things just the way we wanted, without
having to compromise . I choose a palette of neutral shades that are used as a backdrop in every room . I also
added white wooden shutters on all the windows at the front
of the house . When it came to the
furniture , I opted for an
eclectic selection of styles, ranging
from antique to contemporary .For example , in the kitchen, I have gone for modern high-gloss unit , but added
an antique dining table and industrial-style bar stools .
We put up a white tongue-and-groove shelving
unit above the kitchen table, where I display my collection of china, postcards
and star-shaped candleholders. With the renovation complete, we enjoyed
decorating our home for Christmas. We have three trees this year: one in the
kitchen, one in the drawing room and into a family home might be too daunting
for most buyers, but for us, it was a welcome challenge. We bought the house
five years ago, knowing that its top-heavy layout would need a rethink. It had nine bedrooms, but I'm what you might
call a serial renovator, so I wasn't put off. In fact, when this house came on
the market, we'd only just finished revamping a 1960s bungalow that we'd bought
eight years ago. As an interior designer, I had a real appetite for
transforming dated houses into gorgeous homes, and couldn't resist the
opportunity to put my stamp on the house. The décor was acceptable, but just
not to my taste, so it was more the chance to adapt the structure to suit life
for us and our three children that appealed Along with custom-made pieces, it's what makes our
home unique. . The
finishing touches were the kind of things you would expect – plenty of photo
frames, lots of wall hangings and artwork
and plenty of our favourite accessories – scented candles.
There are so many to choose from but we love the ones made by Yankee candle. We
also sometimes use a reed diffuser, as a convenient alternative to candles.
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store home of luxury scented candles from leading brands around the world, including Yankee candles
we decided to try to take our time do things just the way we wanted, without
having to compromise . I choose a palette of neutral shades that are used as a backdrop in every room . I also
added white wooden shutters on all the windows at the front
of the house . When it came to the
furniture , I opted for an
eclectic selection of styles, ranging
from antique to contemporary .For example , in the kitchen, I have gone for modern high-gloss unit , but added
an antique dining table and industrial-style bar stools .
We put up a white tongue-and-groove shelving
unit above the kitchen table, where I display my collection of china, postcards
and star-shaped candleholders. With the renovation complete, we enjoyed
decorating our home for Christmas. We have three trees this year: one in the
kitchen, one in the drawing room and into a family home might be too daunting
for most buyers, but for us, it was a welcome challenge. We bought the house
five years ago, knowing that its top-heavy layout would need a rethink. It had nine bedrooms, but I'm what you might
call a serial renovator, so I wasn't put off. In fact, when this house came on
the market, we'd only just finished revamping a 1960s bungalow that we'd bought
eight years ago. As an interior designer, I had a real appetite for
transforming dated houses into gorgeous homes, and couldn't resist the
opportunity to put my stamp on the house. The décor was acceptable, but just
not to my taste, so it was more the chance to adapt the structure to suit life
for us and our three children that appealed Along with custom-made pieces, it's what makes our
home unique. . The
finishing touches were the kind of things you would expect – plenty of photo
frames, lots of wall hangings and artwork
and plenty of our favourite accessories – scented candles.
There are so many to choose from but we love the ones made by Yankee candle. We
also sometimes use a reed diffuser, as a convenient alternative to candles.
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store home of luxury scented candles from leading brands around the world, including Yankee candles
Monday 14 November 2011
Blening Old And New For Beautiful Interiors
When you are
trying to decorate your home in the elegant country style it is a good idea to
try to keep to smart colours, exchanging
those brighter colours which might be a home in a more modern property for more
subtle tones like ivory, taupe and grey. Keep to clean
lines, no frills are allowed - on curtains, bedding or even cushions. Classy shabby chic
items of furniture are perfect for this type of home, but you
can give your country style residence a striking look by combining this look with
one or two carefully chosen more contemporary pieces. The key is to choose
furniture that fits in and doesn't jar with the country look - like a simple
leather sofa or streamlined oak table in the kitchen. Introduce a feature wall
to instantly give a room a modern feel - just pick a paper that complements
your scheme. Use your imagination and try to get hold of some unusual
or one-off items of furniture or accessories, which really help stamp your
personality on any property. Antique shops, craft fairs and even car boot sales
can be a great source of materials and inspiration. Keep walls neutral and use
accent colours to add interest. As I work with colour all day, I like to be
able to switch off when I get home. Having consciously avoided making the house
too "beachy" because of its location, I wanted a scheme that could be
home to the many knick-knacks from the family's travels. Concentrating on just a single colour or group of
colours can be a bit restricting. At the end of the day what I wanted to achieve
was a blend of stylish comfort and practicality. That is just one of the reasons I like to use natural materials that
age well and look better when they're a bit used, even distressed,
as as I think they make for a more
relaxing ambiance. One good tactic to employ if you like this style is to visit architectural salvage marchants. You can vcertainly find them online but most major townms and citirs will have at leasdt one such business. They are a great source of unusual and distinctive itewms. These can range from reclaimed floor tiles - which may often be very old and suit perfectly an older style property, to more recent pieces of furniture, including items that may have been reclaimed from old offices, banks or even churches! And one thing you should never overlook is the choice of accessories
for your new decorative scheme. Filling your home with things you love makes a
house a home. There is an abundance of choice. My favourite go-to items for accessorizing
are home fragrances – scented candles or maybe even a room spray or reed
diffuser. There are lots of good brands but I tend to stick with the ones I
know such as Yankee candles and True Grace candles. If you are not a fan of scented candles there are lots of other things you can do. For example, it is often overlooked, but few things freshen up the way a home looks and smells like a lovely vase of freshly cut flowers. Now, if there is an impressive list of candle scents out there, the same is most certainly true when it comes to fresh flowers. Pick your favourites - whether it is roses, daffodils or carnations, or perhaps something more exotic like an orchid - and display them proudly!
The author owns The Scented Candle Store, specialising in luxury scented candles including True Grace candles from England
trying to decorate your home in the elegant country style it is a good idea to
try to keep to smart colours, exchanging
those brighter colours which might be a home in a more modern property for more
subtle tones like ivory, taupe and grey. Keep to clean
lines, no frills are allowed - on curtains, bedding or even cushions. Classy shabby chic
items of furniture are perfect for this type of home, but you
can give your country style residence a striking look by combining this look with
one or two carefully chosen more contemporary pieces. The key is to choose
furniture that fits in and doesn't jar with the country look - like a simple
leather sofa or streamlined oak table in the kitchen. Introduce a feature wall
to instantly give a room a modern feel - just pick a paper that complements
your scheme. Use your imagination and try to get hold of some unusual
or one-off items of furniture or accessories, which really help stamp your
personality on any property. Antique shops, craft fairs and even car boot sales
can be a great source of materials and inspiration. Keep walls neutral and use
accent colours to add interest. As I work with colour all day, I like to be
able to switch off when I get home. Having consciously avoided making the house
too "beachy" because of its location, I wanted a scheme that could be
home to the many knick-knacks from the family's travels. Concentrating on just a single colour or group of
colours can be a bit restricting. At the end of the day what I wanted to achieve
was a blend of stylish comfort and practicality. That is just one of the reasons I like to use natural materials that
age well and look better when they're a bit used, even distressed,
as as I think they make for a more
relaxing ambiance. One good tactic to employ if you like this style is to visit architectural salvage marchants. You can vcertainly find them online but most major townms and citirs will have at leasdt one such business. They are a great source of unusual and distinctive itewms. These can range from reclaimed floor tiles - which may often be very old and suit perfectly an older style property, to more recent pieces of furniture, including items that may have been reclaimed from old offices, banks or even churches! And one thing you should never overlook is the choice of accessories
for your new decorative scheme. Filling your home with things you love makes a
house a home. There is an abundance of choice. My favourite go-to items for accessorizing
are home fragrances – scented candles or maybe even a room spray or reed
diffuser. There are lots of good brands but I tend to stick with the ones I
know such as Yankee candles and True Grace candles. If you are not a fan of scented candles there are lots of other things you can do. For example, it is often overlooked, but few things freshen up the way a home looks and smells like a lovely vase of freshly cut flowers. Now, if there is an impressive list of candle scents out there, the same is most certainly true when it comes to fresh flowers. Pick your favourites - whether it is roses, daffodils or carnations, or perhaps something more exotic like an orchid - and display them proudly!
The author owns The Scented Candle Store, specialising in luxury scented candles including True Grace candles from England
Sunday 13 November 2011
A New Home Is For Good - Not Just For Christmas!
At this time of years we
inevitably think back to the time when we bought our current home, almost ten
years ago now. We had been interested in the property before but it
was suddenly take off the market. When we discovered it was available again we
were really determined to secure it. In
actual fact it was during our Christmas dinner that someone at the table
happened to casually mentioned that the house was back on the market. We thought that the
house would suit us down to the ground because the house we were living in at the
time was simply too large and we wanted something smaller. We'd been living in
a large detached new-build around the corner for four years and knew that
buying this house, which needed a lot of work, would enable us to pay off our
mortgage. No one had been living in
the property for quite a number of years so much so that the garden to the front and rear of the property was
in such a state that we had to hire a excavator to
tidy everything up. The interior of the property was not a great deal better. In fact
when you stepped inside it was like entering a time warp. We did not allow the condition
of the house and garden to put us off and in fact moved in straight away,
notwithstanding the state of the place. It didn't occur to us to live off site
because we were doing almost all the work ourselves. When we reflect on this decision now it does seem just a little
bit crazy. We decided to adopt a very strict budget for the
renovations. We borrowed a small amount upfront so that we could deal with
essential work like upgrading the heating and lighting straight away. The rest
we did gradually, as funds allowed. On reflection it was quite an undertaking but we were really excited about the project and fulll of enthusiasm, so that helped pull us through those difficult moments when we perhaps worried that we had bitten off more than we could chew. We had admired the house and the location for so long that we were just determined that we were going to make things work for us - and eventually it did! We had to be very realistic about what we
could achieve on what budget and by when. The most important thing we did was not to put ourselves under any strict pressure to have certain jobs finished by a certain time. We had a number of targets in mind, of course, but we were not inclined to worry if dealines slipped a bit.
All things considered we think
the end results are pretty impressive. In addition to knocking down the wall
between the kitchen and dining room, turning a ramshackle lean-to at the back
of the house into a smart utility/cloakroom and study, and building a studio in
the garden. We also converted the loft to gain a guest room and chill-out
space. To give the house an elegant
classic-country look, we've adopted a mixed colour
scheme of creams, taupes and greys on the walls. We have accessoriesed with
our favourite scented candles by brands like Yankee candles and True Grace
candles, which are the perfect compliment for a mix of French country and more
modern pieces of furniture, such as the leather sofas in the living room and
the streamlined wash-bowl basin in the bathroom.
The authopr is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you wil find plenty of luxury candles as well as other home fragrances products like reed diffuser
inevitably think back to the time when we bought our current home, almost ten
years ago now. We had been interested in the property before but it
was suddenly take off the market. When we discovered it was available again we
were really determined to secure it. In
actual fact it was during our Christmas dinner that someone at the table
happened to casually mentioned that the house was back on the market. We thought that the
house would suit us down to the ground because the house we were living in at the
time was simply too large and we wanted something smaller. We'd been living in
a large detached new-build around the corner for four years and knew that
buying this house, which needed a lot of work, would enable us to pay off our
mortgage. No one had been living in
the property for quite a number of years so much so that the garden to the front and rear of the property was
in such a state that we had to hire a excavator to
tidy everything up. The interior of the property was not a great deal better. In fact
when you stepped inside it was like entering a time warp. We did not allow the condition
of the house and garden to put us off and in fact moved in straight away,
notwithstanding the state of the place. It didn't occur to us to live off site
because we were doing almost all the work ourselves. When we reflect on this decision now it does seem just a little
bit crazy. We decided to adopt a very strict budget for the
renovations. We borrowed a small amount upfront so that we could deal with
essential work like upgrading the heating and lighting straight away. The rest
we did gradually, as funds allowed. On reflection it was quite an undertaking but we were really excited about the project and fulll of enthusiasm, so that helped pull us through those difficult moments when we perhaps worried that we had bitten off more than we could chew. We had admired the house and the location for so long that we were just determined that we were going to make things work for us - and eventually it did! We had to be very realistic about what we
could achieve on what budget and by when. The most important thing we did was not to put ourselves under any strict pressure to have certain jobs finished by a certain time. We had a number of targets in mind, of course, but we were not inclined to worry if dealines slipped a bit.
All things considered we think
the end results are pretty impressive. In addition to knocking down the wall
between the kitchen and dining room, turning a ramshackle lean-to at the back
of the house into a smart utility/cloakroom and study, and building a studio in
the garden. We also converted the loft to gain a guest room and chill-out
space. To give the house an elegant
classic-country look, we've adopted a mixed colour
scheme of creams, taupes and greys on the walls. We have accessoriesed with
our favourite scented candles by brands like Yankee candles and True Grace
candles, which are the perfect compliment for a mix of French country and more
modern pieces of furniture, such as the leather sofas in the living room and
the streamlined wash-bowl basin in the bathroom.
The authopr is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you wil find plenty of luxury candles as well as other home fragrances products like reed diffuser
Wednesday 9 November 2011
First Impressions Count - Look After Your Hallway
When it comes to making the most of your décor try not to forget
about the hallway. Everyone is well aware of the old saying
that first impressions count, but despite this we
very often neglect to give the reception area and vestibule in our home the
style makeover we give to the rest of the house. A well-functioning and stylishly designed and decorated entrance hall can become a focal point for the home, making it more straight forward to leave the house with all the items (phone, gym kit, dog lead, shopping bags...)
that are required for day to day living. So stop putting things off and start to pay some
attention to your hallway. Wipe the front step to clear
away any small stones and leaves –
this will reduce the risk of them being brought indoors and creating dirt and
dust. Be certain
your front door closes firmly and,
if it does not, fit stick-on draft excluding strips, available from DIY stores.
Check the paintwork is neat and intact, paying special care around the key hole. If your door is UPVC, the best thing to do is wash it down with some
general household cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Clean glass panels so they
sparkle, and revive metal letterboxes, handles and door numbers with Brasso or
Silvo.Give your doorstep a facelift. If it's wood, apply a stain; if stone
or brick, try International Paint's Doorstep
Paint. Use a galvanised buchet to house your umbrellas, ready to grab
should it look like rain's coming. Sort
out a scarf, hat and pair of gloves for everyone in your family and pop in a
clear storage box under the stairs or in your hall cupboard. Thick winter coats
take up more room than summer jackets, so have a good sort out of your coat
stand, so there's plenty of space. Stash a pile of old newspapers out of sight
in your hallway - but still within easy reach - ready to pop muddy boots and
shoes on. Still on the subject of muddy shoes, buy a stiff brush and keep with
your shoe cleaning kit. Use to brush dried mud off outside, before it gets trodden
into your carpets. Be certain any
outdoor lights you have fitted are working properly - if it's a
motion-detector light, check it's coming on sufficiently early to cast its light on your gate or steps. And simply because the
weather has turned that little bit cooler do not neglect your pot plants Select winter-flowering pansies or cyclamen for colour. Make sure your hedge is kept neat and tidy – perhaps it
needs one more cut before winter well and truly sets in - you want as much
natural light coming through windows for the
longest amount of time during the day. If you have recycling bins leave at the back of your home – it may well be convenient to leave them by the front door, but
that is hardly the stylsh option, is it?! Finished outside? Close the
door and look at your hall the way a
guest would. And do not stop with the appearance of your hall – how does it
smell? Place a selection of scented candles around artistically
or perhaps a reed diffuser. There is plenty of choice when it comes to candles
but try to get the best you can, by which we mean brands like Yankee candle and
True Grace candles. Think of your hall as a room, not a space to pass through, and
style it as such.
The author is owner of the Scented candle Store where you will find a range of candles as well as other home fragrance items like the reed diffuser
about the hallway. Everyone is well aware of the old saying
that first impressions count, but despite this we
very often neglect to give the reception area and vestibule in our home the
style makeover we give to the rest of the house. A well-functioning and stylishly designed and decorated entrance hall can become a focal point for the home, making it more straight forward to leave the house with all the items (phone, gym kit, dog lead, shopping bags...)
that are required for day to day living. So stop putting things off and start to pay some
attention to your hallway. Wipe the front step to clear
away any small stones and leaves –
this will reduce the risk of them being brought indoors and creating dirt and
dust. Be certain
your front door closes firmly and,
if it does not, fit stick-on draft excluding strips, available from DIY stores.
Check the paintwork is neat and intact, paying special care around the key hole. If your door is UPVC, the best thing to do is wash it down with some
general household cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Clean glass panels so they
sparkle, and revive metal letterboxes, handles and door numbers with Brasso or
Silvo.Give your doorstep a facelift. If it's wood, apply a stain; if stone
or brick, try International Paint's Doorstep
Paint. Use a galvanised buchet to house your umbrellas, ready to grab
should it look like rain's coming. Sort
out a scarf, hat and pair of gloves for everyone in your family and pop in a
clear storage box under the stairs or in your hall cupboard. Thick winter coats
take up more room than summer jackets, so have a good sort out of your coat
stand, so there's plenty of space. Stash a pile of old newspapers out of sight
in your hallway - but still within easy reach - ready to pop muddy boots and
shoes on. Still on the subject of muddy shoes, buy a stiff brush and keep with
your shoe cleaning kit. Use to brush dried mud off outside, before it gets trodden
into your carpets. Be certain any
outdoor lights you have fitted are working properly - if it's a
motion-detector light, check it's coming on sufficiently early to cast its light on your gate or steps. And simply because the
weather has turned that little bit cooler do not neglect your pot plants Select winter-flowering pansies or cyclamen for colour. Make sure your hedge is kept neat and tidy – perhaps it
needs one more cut before winter well and truly sets in - you want as much
natural light coming through windows for the
longest amount of time during the day. If you have recycling bins leave at the back of your home – it may well be convenient to leave them by the front door, but
that is hardly the stylsh option, is it?! Finished outside? Close the
door and look at your hall the way a
guest would. And do not stop with the appearance of your hall – how does it
smell? Place a selection of scented candles around artistically
or perhaps a reed diffuser. There is plenty of choice when it comes to candles
but try to get the best you can, by which we mean brands like Yankee candle and
True Grace candles. Think of your hall as a room, not a space to pass through, and
style it as such.
The author is owner of the Scented candle Store where you will find a range of candles as well as other home fragrance items like the reed diffuser
Keep Warm This Winter With A Throw
Now the weather is turning it is time to make sure we are warm and
cosy at home . Drape a gorgeous blanket or
throw over your armchair or sofa, so it's ready to keep you toasty . Lambswool or even cashmere are
perfect if you are feeling flush but if you are on a budget
there are still plenty of reasonable options out there . Who says winter has to be dreary ? Curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a good book under a
soft blanket is sheer bliss !
So, with the colder, darker days approaching , give your living
room a winter makeover with plenty of snug blankets for your sofa
and chairs to keep you warm . Surround yourself
with everything you need to keep
comfortable. Have a stash of books or magazines close at
hand so you can enjoy reading them in front of
the fire. Or if you have an e reader, keep it beside your
favourite sofa or armchair. Scented candles come
into their own at this time of the year. They are
popular all year round but there is something especially
comforting about lighting up a few of your
favourite Yankee candles or True Grace candles as you relax on a cold winter’s evening. But the main item on your agenda
should still be a luxurious throw . With so
many lovely designs to choose from, how do
you know what will suit your scheme ? Plain, chunky knits
add lots of texture while patterned ones bring colour and warmth to the
plainest of rooms. We've found many of cosiest throws and blankets, there's one
to suit all budgets. You can give your room a little luxury with a sumptuously
soft Plum mohair throw or team a throw in beige/brown with a chocolate brown
sofa for a snug autumn feel.
Here are some tips to look after your blanket or throw to keep it in
tip-top condition. Fold and refold to avoid deep-seated creases that will
inevitably happen over time, make sure you regularly refold your blanket by
swapping the main crease point every couple of weeks. Take care when wearing buckles or jewellery,
as they can easily get caught and accidentally pull a thread. If this happens,
simply thread a needle through the loose loop and pull it through to the
underside of the fabric, teasing the thread back into position. Some delicate
woolly blankets can shrink or lose their colour and softness in a tumble dryer
so should ideally be dried outside on a line. Not only will you lengthen the life
of your blanket but it'll also smell lovely and fresh. If you can, hang the
washing line out of direct sunlight to stop your blanket fading. In the summer,
keep it in a blanket bag to stop it getting dusty. But dion/t worry about it - after all it will soon be infused with the beautiful aroma of your scented candles!
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of candles and other home fragrances such as a reed diffuser
cosy at home . Drape a gorgeous blanket or
throw over your armchair or sofa, so it's ready to keep you toasty . Lambswool or even cashmere are
perfect if you are feeling flush but if you are on a budget
there are still plenty of reasonable options out there . Who says winter has to be dreary ? Curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a good book under a
soft blanket is sheer bliss !
So, with the colder, darker days approaching , give your living
room a winter makeover with plenty of snug blankets for your sofa
and chairs to keep you warm . Surround yourself
with everything you need to keep
comfortable. Have a stash of books or magazines close at
hand so you can enjoy reading them in front of
the fire. Or if you have an e reader, keep it beside your
favourite sofa or armchair. Scented candles come
into their own at this time of the year. They are
popular all year round but there is something especially
comforting about lighting up a few of your
favourite Yankee candles or True Grace candles as you relax on a cold winter’s evening. But the main item on your agenda
should still be a luxurious throw . With so
many lovely designs to choose from, how do
you know what will suit your scheme ? Plain, chunky knits
add lots of texture while patterned ones bring colour and warmth to the
plainest of rooms. We've found many of cosiest throws and blankets, there's one
to suit all budgets. You can give your room a little luxury with a sumptuously
soft Plum mohair throw or team a throw in beige/brown with a chocolate brown
sofa for a snug autumn feel.
Here are some tips to look after your blanket or throw to keep it in
tip-top condition. Fold and refold to avoid deep-seated creases that will
inevitably happen over time, make sure you regularly refold your blanket by
swapping the main crease point every couple of weeks. Take care when wearing buckles or jewellery,
as they can easily get caught and accidentally pull a thread. If this happens,
simply thread a needle through the loose loop and pull it through to the
underside of the fabric, teasing the thread back into position. Some delicate
woolly blankets can shrink or lose their colour and softness in a tumble dryer
so should ideally be dried outside on a line. Not only will you lengthen the life
of your blanket but it'll also smell lovely and fresh. If you can, hang the
washing line out of direct sunlight to stop your blanket fading. In the summer,
keep it in a blanket bag to stop it getting dusty. But dion/t worry about it - after all it will soon be infused with the beautiful aroma of your scented candles!
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a range of candles and other home fragrances such as a reed diffuser
Monday 7 November 2011
Choose Grey For An Elegant Look
When you are
looking to decorate in an elegant stylish way then it is worth using neutral cool grey, because it is a tone that
seems to work very well with a variety of different colours. Do not be
tempted to think of grey as dull and boring – it is in fact very much on trend
these days, both in fashion and in interior design because it it looks so great when used with so many other tones.
Choose vintage-inspired dusky pinks and mix with
charcoal greys for a subtly elegant living room. If a statement wallpaper has
caught your eye, paper the wall behind the sofa as a focal point, then use an
equal amount of both colours in the rest of the space for a balanced feel. So
the next time you are thinking of decorating give grey a go – you won’t be
disappointed.
Begin by setting out a collection of grey swatches alongside each other. Those lighter grey tones take
on a Scandic feel and are perfect for a more modern contemporary
environment, while a
richer tone suits a more elegant refined settings better. As a general rule of
thumb, if you are decorating a larger room then it is
safe to use a darker colour and, when mixing grey with other tones, go for ones with the same tonal
balance. So, let your imagination get to work and
pick up on a few style suggestions from these gorgeous colour
combinations.
If your home features any exposed pale wooden surfaces such as oak, pine or
maple, dark rich grey tones make for a beautiful contrast. You
can create a dramatic backdrop for the rest of your décor by ensuring that the
walls are painted in the same shad as your choice of carpet or rug, and go for sought after retro-style furniture and accessories, like beautiful scented
candles created by manufacturers such as Yankee candles. Lastly, create a sense of style by
adding layers of texture rather than simply adding more colour so the grey and
the grain are the stars. One of the reasons why grey is now so
popular is because it makes it so much easier to come up with colour combinations
that match it or provide a striking contrast. No
matter if you are investing in a large statement piece of furniture or maybe a handful of accessories like candles or ornaments
it is usually simplicity itself to find something in a colour
which will work with grey. Take for instance Yankee candles. You could choose
from an endless variety of colours, but their blue or purple jar candles would
look great against a grey backdrop. Grey
doesn't have to be used on the walls - for something a little more daring try
combining exotic coral-pink walls with dark-grey furniture. The result is a
bold, confident look that's really warming and welcoming. Use floral curtains
to break up blocks of colour, while touches of white will help to calm vibrant
tones.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of beautiful scented candles including offerings from True Grace candles
looking to decorate in an elegant stylish way then it is worth using neutral cool grey, because it is a tone that
seems to work very well with a variety of different colours. Do not be
tempted to think of grey as dull and boring – it is in fact very much on trend
these days, both in fashion and in interior design because it it looks so great when used with so many other tones.
Choose vintage-inspired dusky pinks and mix with
charcoal greys for a subtly elegant living room. If a statement wallpaper has
caught your eye, paper the wall behind the sofa as a focal point, then use an
equal amount of both colours in the rest of the space for a balanced feel. So
the next time you are thinking of decorating give grey a go – you won’t be
disappointed.
Begin by setting out a collection of grey swatches alongside each other. Those lighter grey tones take
on a Scandic feel and are perfect for a more modern contemporary
environment, while a
richer tone suits a more elegant refined settings better. As a general rule of
thumb, if you are decorating a larger room then it is
safe to use a darker colour and, when mixing grey with other tones, go for ones with the same tonal
balance. So, let your imagination get to work and
pick up on a few style suggestions from these gorgeous colour
combinations.
If your home features any exposed pale wooden surfaces such as oak, pine or
maple, dark rich grey tones make for a beautiful contrast. You
can create a dramatic backdrop for the rest of your décor by ensuring that the
walls are painted in the same shad as your choice of carpet or rug, and go for sought after retro-style furniture and accessories, like beautiful scented
candles created by manufacturers such as Yankee candles. Lastly, create a sense of style by
adding layers of texture rather than simply adding more colour so the grey and
the grain are the stars. One of the reasons why grey is now so
popular is because it makes it so much easier to come up with colour combinations
that match it or provide a striking contrast. No
matter if you are investing in a large statement piece of furniture or maybe a handful of accessories like candles or ornaments
it is usually simplicity itself to find something in a colour
which will work with grey. Take for instance Yankee candles. You could choose
from an endless variety of colours, but their blue or purple jar candles would
look great against a grey backdrop. Grey
doesn't have to be used on the walls - for something a little more daring try
combining exotic coral-pink walls with dark-grey furniture. The result is a
bold, confident look that's really warming and welcoming. Use floral curtains
to break up blocks of colour, while touches of white will help to calm vibrant
tones.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of beautiful scented candles including offerings from True Grace candles
Thursday 3 November 2011
How To Tackle A Major Renovation Job
The idea of taking on a project and moulding a home to my tastes
has always appealed, so when I first visited our future home on a bright spring morning , I
knew that beyond the embossed wallcovering, it had tons of potential . After seeing lots of pokey flats, I was also
excited about the prospect of being able to afford a house with a garden . As my sister, Helena, and I had decided to buy
a place together , it was great to finally be on the
property ladder after years of us both renting in London . Although my
sister and I were keen to begin the transformation, there was a bewildering
sense of what shall we do first? As I stood in our empty house, the realisation
dawned that it was going to take a Herculean DIY effort . With every weekend devoted to DIY, the bedrock
renovations took us about a year . It was a relief to get to the
stage where we could tackle some pleasant jobs – and for the next few months we focused on the bedrooms so we had
somewhere serene to retreat . We kept the paint tones earthy and had the floors fitted with seagrass for a natural feel . I went for a
calming Eastern theme inspired by my habitat cherry tree wall lights and Japanese prints I found in a junk
shop . We even managed to carry this eastern
inspired theme through with our accessories. We have always been great fans of scented candles, so we chose some by
our favourite brands such as
Voluspa, Yankee candles and True Grace candles. However our friend then introduced
us to a safer, more
convenient alternative to candles, namely the reed diffuser. There is something
very oriental about the way these look, with their thin
rattan reeds soaring upwards out of an ornate glass or pottery bottle, that
fitted perfectly with the look we were aiming for .There are lots of other ways to emphasise this slightly oriental look. Perhaps the most obvious would be to invest in some small bonsai trees which are so typically Japanese. Another good thing to choose is an Orchid. Although these are now grown all around the world they still have that eastern look about them that many people finds so appealing. Chinese prints or calenders are also a cheap but effective way to convey thart hint of eastern mysticism.
The author owns the Scented Candle Store, specialising in candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser.
has always appealed, so when I first visited our future home on a bright spring morning , I
knew that beyond the embossed wallcovering, it had tons of potential . After seeing lots of pokey flats, I was also
excited about the prospect of being able to afford a house with a garden . As my sister, Helena, and I had decided to buy
a place together , it was great to finally be on the
property ladder after years of us both renting in London . Although my
sister and I were keen to begin the transformation, there was a bewildering
sense of what shall we do first? As I stood in our empty house, the realisation
dawned that it was going to take a Herculean DIY effort . With every weekend devoted to DIY, the bedrock
renovations took us about a year . It was a relief to get to the
stage where we could tackle some pleasant jobs – and for the next few months we focused on the bedrooms so we had
somewhere serene to retreat . We kept the paint tones earthy and had the floors fitted with seagrass for a natural feel . I went for a
calming Eastern theme inspired by my habitat cherry tree wall lights and Japanese prints I found in a junk
shop . We even managed to carry this eastern
inspired theme through with our accessories. We have always been great fans of scented candles, so we chose some by
our favourite brands such as
Voluspa, Yankee candles and True Grace candles. However our friend then introduced
us to a safer, more
convenient alternative to candles, namely the reed diffuser. There is something
very oriental about the way these look, with their thin
rattan reeds soaring upwards out of an ornate glass or pottery bottle, that
fitted perfectly with the look we were aiming for .There are lots of other ways to emphasise this slightly oriental look. Perhaps the most obvious would be to invest in some small bonsai trees which are so typically Japanese. Another good thing to choose is an Orchid. Although these are now grown all around the world they still have that eastern look about them that many people finds so appealing. Chinese prints or calenders are also a cheap but effective way to convey thart hint of eastern mysticism.
The author owns the Scented Candle Store, specialising in candles as well as other home fragrance products like the reed diffuser.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Make The Most Of Your Bedroom
Before I made a start on my bedroom, I'd been living in my home for
four years . Although I knew what I wanted to do, when I moved in I
had a limited budget, so the rest of the house took priority . But as my bedroom was the last to be done, I was able to spend
time saving up, so I could have exactly what I wanted without scrimping . An interior designer
friend found the perfect wallpaper - when I saw it, I knew it was the one for
me and would be perfect for a feature wall . I
loved the plums, pinks and black, and the scrolling pattern with hints of gold But before I could start the transformation, I had to
get rid of some of the existing furnishings . The wardrobes no longer pulled along their track
and the mirrored fronts were bent and distorted. To get the maximum amount of
storage, I chose fitted, floor-to-ceiling cupboards to replace them ~ They were
badly in need of replacing and after considering a number of different options,
I decided to go with fitted wardrobes with mirrored fronts because they seemed
to be the best solution in terms of maximizing the space available to me. But
when I started to prepare the walls for them , I discovered a fake wall made of
plywood and lots of cracks that needed filling in . Luckily, I managed to
patch them up so the walls didn't need re-plastering. Anything I couldn't
afford to replace, I painted to suit the scheme. When I discovered a tin of
blackboard paint in the garage during a clear out, I used it on my dressing
table. I love the matt black finish - it looks so smart and modern. Despite all
these changes to my bedroom, it still didn't quite have that boudoir feel I was
aiming for. I knew that I needed to add some special finishing touches. Then I
found the button-back velvet headboard, which looks really dramatic, and that
made a real difference.
Inspired by boutique hotels that I'd visited,
I opted for a luxurious boudoir feel, with loads
of gorgeous~ ornatescented candles produced by manufacturers including Yankee
candles and Shearer candles.
The old cream carpet in this room was one of my first buys when I
moved in. It was long past its best, so I pulled it up. But the old underlay
had disintegrated and dust spread throughout the house. There seemed to be one
problem after the other. Inspired by the wallpaper, which I also used to
decorate panels on the wardrobe, I want for a deep grey for the other walls and
a paler shade for the carpet - although one that would hide marks and last
longer than the cream one. The black in the wallpaper gave me the idea to go
for dark furniture.. As I began to run out of money, I shopped around at places
that suited my budget for the perfect side tables and I found this black glass
pair I really love them. I also put up framed photos that I had been collecting
for ages. Now after four years of DIY
projects around the house, I'm so pleased that I saved up to get my dream room.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of beautiful candles as well as their more contemporary alternative, the reed diffuser
four years . Although I knew what I wanted to do, when I moved in I
had a limited budget, so the rest of the house took priority . But as my bedroom was the last to be done, I was able to spend
time saving up, so I could have exactly what I wanted without scrimping . An interior designer
friend found the perfect wallpaper - when I saw it, I knew it was the one for
me and would be perfect for a feature wall . I
loved the plums, pinks and black, and the scrolling pattern with hints of gold But before I could start the transformation, I had to
get rid of some of the existing furnishings . The wardrobes no longer pulled along their track
and the mirrored fronts were bent and distorted. To get the maximum amount of
storage, I chose fitted, floor-to-ceiling cupboards to replace them ~ They were
badly in need of replacing and after considering a number of different options,
I decided to go with fitted wardrobes with mirrored fronts because they seemed
to be the best solution in terms of maximizing the space available to me. But
when I started to prepare the walls for them , I discovered a fake wall made of
plywood and lots of cracks that needed filling in . Luckily, I managed to
patch them up so the walls didn't need re-plastering. Anything I couldn't
afford to replace, I painted to suit the scheme. When I discovered a tin of
blackboard paint in the garage during a clear out, I used it on my dressing
table. I love the matt black finish - it looks so smart and modern. Despite all
these changes to my bedroom, it still didn't quite have that boudoir feel I was
aiming for. I knew that I needed to add some special finishing touches. Then I
found the button-back velvet headboard, which looks really dramatic, and that
made a real difference.
Inspired by boutique hotels that I'd visited,
I opted for a luxurious boudoir feel, with loads
of gorgeous~ ornatescented candles produced by manufacturers including Yankee
candles and Shearer candles.
The old cream carpet in this room was one of my first buys when I
moved in. It was long past its best, so I pulled it up. But the old underlay
had disintegrated and dust spread throughout the house. There seemed to be one
problem after the other. Inspired by the wallpaper, which I also used to
decorate panels on the wardrobe, I want for a deep grey for the other walls and
a paler shade for the carpet - although one that would hide marks and last
longer than the cream one. The black in the wallpaper gave me the idea to go
for dark furniture.. As I began to run out of money, I shopped around at places
that suited my budget for the perfect side tables and I found this black glass
pair I really love them. I also put up framed photos that I had been collecting
for ages. Now after four years of DIY
projects around the house, I'm so pleased that I saved up to get my dream room.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of beautiful candles as well as their more contemporary alternative, the reed diffuser
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Make Getting Ready Part Of Your Night Out
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If you want to transform
your bedroom into somewhere stylish and elegant, but at the same time relaxing
and tranquil, commence with an ultra-feminine chinoiserie-style
wallpaper to decorate a feature wall.
Then pay close attention to detail when it comes adding lovely storage pots and
bowls. Try to find items such as an old mirror,
ceramic birds, clip-on butterflies and attractive old
fashioned perfume bottles – and always remember a bowl
of fresh flowers or a
number of aromatic
candles for a beautiful and stylish
spot to pamper yourself in. Do not be afraid to use your imagination and chooses something that you really like - after all it is your bedroom and your dressing area we are talking about - no one else. One thing you should try to do is to keep everything close at hand so that you are not searching endlessly in drawers for makeup, perfume and the myriad other thins you might be needing. A stereo or some sort of musicplayer will also help create a mood of calm - depending on what you are listening to. There are so many choices these days with just about everyone it seems owning an Ipod or other music player. But don't forget about a traditional CD player or perhaps take things a stage further and stream your choice of music live from the internet with ones of the great machines available such as an Sonos or something similar.
Spoil yourself with a dressing table that's perfect
for your beauty routine - our ideas are guaranteed to make you feel like a star
in your own bedroom. Place a few attractive candles by brands like Shearer candles or
Yankee candles on top. Just think for a
moment – when did you actually last have some fun preparing to go out on the
town for the night? Even if you had the time for pampering, does your make-up
and hair straighteners live in messy heap? Do you just find the whole process of getting
ready for an evening out is all a bit of a headache and not much fun at all?
Then maybe it's time to make space for a dressing table. Select
an eye catching style to transform your makeup area into a feature,
or paint an existing piece to match your current scheme. Remember there are a few other items that you cannot do
without – a bright light, a comfortable chair and a fairly large
wall-mounted or table-standing mirror. No space for a separate dressing table?
Line the top drawer of a chest and turn it into your make-up box with a
patterned off-cut of wallpaper. Just don't be tempted to overload the drawer
with too many buy-one-get-one-free deals! This is a great way to keep smaller
lotions and potions neat and tidy and, if you spill anything, it's easy to deal
with. Keep an eye out at boot sales and charity shops for a pretty fretwork or
metal design, adding a tray cloth or linen place-mat for a vintage feel.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of candles as well as the more modern alternative, the reed diffuser
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If you want to transform
your bedroom into somewhere stylish and elegant, but at the same time relaxing
and tranquil, commence with an ultra-feminine chinoiserie-style
wallpaper to decorate a feature wall.
Then pay close attention to detail when it comes adding lovely storage pots and
bowls. Try to find items such as an old mirror,
ceramic birds, clip-on butterflies and attractive old
fashioned perfume bottles – and always remember a bowl
of fresh flowers or a
number of aromatic
candles for a beautiful and stylish
spot to pamper yourself in. Do not be afraid to use your imagination and chooses something that you really like - after all it is your bedroom and your dressing area we are talking about - no one else. One thing you should try to do is to keep everything close at hand so that you are not searching endlessly in drawers for makeup, perfume and the myriad other thins you might be needing. A stereo or some sort of musicplayer will also help create a mood of calm - depending on what you are listening to. There are so many choices these days with just about everyone it seems owning an Ipod or other music player. But don't forget about a traditional CD player or perhaps take things a stage further and stream your choice of music live from the internet with ones of the great machines available such as an Sonos or something similar.
Spoil yourself with a dressing table that's perfect
for your beauty routine - our ideas are guaranteed to make you feel like a star
in your own bedroom. Place a few attractive candles by brands like Shearer candles or
Yankee candles on top. Just think for a
moment – when did you actually last have some fun preparing to go out on the
town for the night? Even if you had the time for pampering, does your make-up
and hair straighteners live in messy heap? Do you just find the whole process of getting
ready for an evening out is all a bit of a headache and not much fun at all?
Then maybe it's time to make space for a dressing table. Select
an eye catching style to transform your makeup area into a feature,
or paint an existing piece to match your current scheme. Remember there are a few other items that you cannot do
without – a bright light, a comfortable chair and a fairly large
wall-mounted or table-standing mirror. No space for a separate dressing table?
Line the top drawer of a chest and turn it into your make-up box with a
patterned off-cut of wallpaper. Just don't be tempted to overload the drawer
with too many buy-one-get-one-free deals! This is a great way to keep smaller
lotions and potions neat and tidy and, if you spill anything, it's easy to deal
with. Keep an eye out at boot sales and charity shops for a pretty fretwork or
metal design, adding a tray cloth or linen place-mat for a vintage feel.
The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a range of candles as well as the more modern alternative, the reed diffuser
Sunday 30 October 2011
A New Bathroom Needn't Cost The Earth
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We recently bought a new house as a major renovation project.
The place was to say the least a little bit run down and we did not have a massive
amount of money to spend on renovating it. Having said all that we were very enthusiastic about the project, had plenty
of ideas we wanted to put into practice and we were pretty confident that we
could transform the place into the home we had always wanted. The first job
we decided to tackle was a major redo of the kitchen area, adding a small sized extension to give us a little
more space. But this ate up a large chunk of our budget, so plans for work on
the bathroom were put on the back burner while we saved up. Unfortunately this
was quite expensive, so it meant we had to put off our plans to renovate the
bathroom until we had managed to put by sufficient funds The bath and sink were in a bit of a state
and needed to be replaced, but fortunately the toilet itself was perfectly
serviceable as it had only recently been installed. To try to get ideas for the bathroom, we
visited lots of DIY shops and read plenty of interior
design magazines and websites to
get an idea of how best to use the limited amount of space we had available to
us. A shower was a priority for us, but we still wanted to have a bath, so we
went for a shower-bath to get the best of both worlds without compromising on
space. We both love getting involved with DIY, so we gutted the bathroom
ourselves in a weekend. The initial plumbing was so bad we thought it would be
best to hire a professional plumber to fit our new bathroom. He suggested we
swap a few things around, which meant we could have a power shower fitted and
the pipework could be hidden behind the wall. Within a few days he'd fitted
everything, including the lovely new heated towel rail, which means the room
stays really warm in the winter. As the wall units were meant for a kitchen
they were quite deep, so my partner took the backs off and cut them to the
depth we wanted. We decided to go for fitted units and had a few design plans
drawn up, this option was simply much too expensive
even
taking into account just how small the bathroom us. Luckily for us, my
partner, came up with the idea of using kitchen units for storage on the walls
because they could be quite inexpensive, and we could adapt them to suit us. By good fortune we found some which were discounted at our local
hardware store, which
worked to a teeand very reasonably priced. We also managed to pick up a
gorgeous square-shaped sink with a pedestal at the same time. Last but not least, I accessorized the room with vibrantly coloured towels, natural sponges
together with scented
candles by good brands like Yankee candles, Heyland and Whittle and True Grace
candles. For good measure I added a few decorative bottles and a reed diffuser
to give it a feminine feel. I'm really pleased with how it has turned out, it's
amazing what you can do with even the smallest space - it just takes clear
ideas and practical thinking!
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you will find a large range of scented candles by luxury brands like True Grace candles
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We recently bought a new house as a major renovation project.
The place was to say the least a little bit run down and we did not have a massive
amount of money to spend on renovating it. Having said all that we were very enthusiastic about the project, had plenty
of ideas we wanted to put into practice and we were pretty confident that we
could transform the place into the home we had always wanted. The first job
we decided to tackle was a major redo of the kitchen area, adding a small sized extension to give us a little
more space. But this ate up a large chunk of our budget, so plans for work on
the bathroom were put on the back burner while we saved up. Unfortunately this
was quite expensive, so it meant we had to put off our plans to renovate the
bathroom until we had managed to put by sufficient funds The bath and sink were in a bit of a state
and needed to be replaced, but fortunately the toilet itself was perfectly
serviceable as it had only recently been installed. To try to get ideas for the bathroom, we
visited lots of DIY shops and read plenty of interior
design magazines and websites to
get an idea of how best to use the limited amount of space we had available to
us. A shower was a priority for us, but we still wanted to have a bath, so we
went for a shower-bath to get the best of both worlds without compromising on
space. We both love getting involved with DIY, so we gutted the bathroom
ourselves in a weekend. The initial plumbing was so bad we thought it would be
best to hire a professional plumber to fit our new bathroom. He suggested we
swap a few things around, which meant we could have a power shower fitted and
the pipework could be hidden behind the wall. Within a few days he'd fitted
everything, including the lovely new heated towel rail, which means the room
stays really warm in the winter. As the wall units were meant for a kitchen
they were quite deep, so my partner took the backs off and cut them to the
depth we wanted. We decided to go for fitted units and had a few design plans
drawn up, this option was simply much too expensive
even
taking into account just how small the bathroom us. Luckily for us, my
partner, came up with the idea of using kitchen units for storage on the walls
because they could be quite inexpensive, and we could adapt them to suit us. By good fortune we found some which were discounted at our local
hardware store, which
worked to a teeand very reasonably priced. We also managed to pick up a
gorgeous square-shaped sink with a pedestal at the same time. Last but not least, I accessorized the room with vibrantly coloured towels, natural sponges
together with scented
candles by good brands like Yankee candles, Heyland and Whittle and True Grace
candles. For good measure I added a few decorative bottles and a reed diffuser
to give it a feminine feel. I'm really pleased with how it has turned out, it's
amazing what you can do with even the smallest space - it just takes clear
ideas and practical thinking!
The author is owner of the Scented Candle Store where you will find a large range of scented candles by luxury brands like True Grace candles
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