I am feeling in the mood for blue and this gorgeous Florence Broadhurst paper is all ready and waiting to be put up in my office.  My darling husband has taken our son on his very first camping holiday.  Not my thing and nor my daughter’s who has gone to stay with a friend.  This is the first time I have had the house to myself for a whole weekend and I must confess as much as I shall miss my family, I am so looking forward to setting my own timetable.  So, I could use this indulgent weekend to put up the wallpaper and do some chores or I could just indulge?  It’s raining outside, but I don’t feel blue.  I am in the mood for lazing on the sofa with a good book and a hot drink and that is exactly what I shall do and then tomorrow – who know’s?  It’s been a very busy couple of weeks and I deserve it!

I was contacted by Jon Day recently; even has name made me feel good as did his beautifully simple, striking photography.  Until we have cause to work together, I thought I would share his work with you and to see more visit – www.jondayphotography.com

Here are some some pictures of Gwyneth Paltrow in domestic mode for the latest issue of Vogue US.  She looks stunning as does her relaxed and oh, so stylish kitchen. To see more of these beautiful shots taken by the great Mario Testino go to Vogue.com.  

Some d.i.y furniture revamps are best left alone but those that are well done can make a house a home and are deeply satisfying in the process.  Here is a lovely example I came across via deco8 on www.littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com – they have simply taken an Ikea rug and painted it. The design and colour way would not be my first choice but the idea allows for endless possibilities so why not give it a try.

When I was in India last year, I came across a greeting card with this simple Ganesha motif and I felt inspired to copy the line drawing onto my living room wall.  Well, I should be honest here and say I asked my beautiful, super talented and extremely gracious au pair to do it as she has so much more patience than me.

Nina Campbell has a classic yet quirky style that I really love, not as a complete look necessarily, but with key elements. Her jewelled coloured glasses are wonderful for summer parties as is her acrylic cutlery.  Then there are the classic pieces like these pretty storage boxes.  Beautifully made, these would last a long time but alternatively make your own using remnants of fabric or wallpaper or even wrapping paper would look lovely.  To see more of Nina Campbell’s range visit her site www.ninacampbell.com

I have seen much of Debi Treloar’s photographic work over the years and thought she only lives on the next street, we had never actually met – until yesterday. Debi was over to shoot my home for a decorating book due out next year.  She worked quietly and calmly and remained focused on ensuring my home was seen in the best possible light.  So the next time you see my home in a magazine or book, know that it is not me, but talented people like Debi who come in and work their magic to bring out its full potential. To see more of Debi’s work visit www.debitreloar.com

As if proof were every needed, last week, I was once again struck by what a small world we live in. On Sunday morning, the husband and I took the children to see the Elephants Green Park.  We found a great parking spot, the sun was shining and as an added bonus we saw the rehearsals for the Queens Birthday parade, which was just like the real thing except the Duke of York stood in for the old dear, so that meant fewer crowds, so even better.  The children were mesmerised and as we walked along Buckingham Palace watching the parade and taking with excitement about having seen real Elephants in India.  Later that week,I attended a launch party at which I got talking to a lady who just happened to be the person responsible for bringing the elephants to London and who will soon be taking the same message and magic to Thailand. Then I met a lady who had sold my books in her store in LA and then I met another friend of a friend – Meg Mathews. Meg was warm and open and shared her own passion for design. Here is one of her wallpaper designs – available exclusivey at Liberty.

Here is an idea you might want to try or as in my case, you might want to let your children try.  This wide framed mirror in my kitchen lends itself perfectly to having old pictures and cards stuck onto it. These old memories tend to end up in boxes so better to enjoy them in a contained area.

I treated myself to my first Ochre lamp when my business reached a certain milestone.  That was 12 years ago and the Cherub lamp gives me as much pleasure today as it did then.  To add understated, timless elegance to any interior see www.ochre.net