As I researched images for inspiration, I found myself drawn back to one of my favorite books.  Wild At Heart features the work of florists Nikki Tibbles whose pioneering style is beautifully captured by the brilliant Martyn Thompson.  The book lead me to view Nikki’s site, which lead me to finding beauty on this dull day and to find truth in this quote.  I honestly would rather have flowers on my table than a diamond around my neck.  Having said that I would not mind finding a diamond necklace sat on the table beside my fresh flowers!  To see more of Nikki’s creations visit www.wildatheart.com.

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Doors decked with wreaths signal Christmas but here’s one you won’t need to put away once Santa has left the building.  I like the idea of something that can be used for many different reasons and this wreath can be moved from front door to wardrobe and even better the most domestically-challenged among us can have a go at making one.  If I can do it, so can you.  To make this wreath just get some black organza, cut into a doughnut shape, fill with pot pourri or  lavender, stitch and finish with velvet bow.  

As Christmas approaches my children’s ‘wish list’ is mostly made up of plug-in games and gadgets but with one exception and that is the precious work of Nell Johnson.  Nell is a highly talented artist who paints children’s beloved toys onto canvas so that they can be appreciated long after the real thing has been banished from the bed.  And it couldn’t be easier; just send Nell some photos on-line and she will do the rest.  I commissioned a painting of my son’s precious bunny some years back and to this day, few objects give me and indeed my children as much pleasure.  Be it for Christmas or a Christening, this would be my gift of choice.  to view more examples – www.nelljohnson.co.uk

I have been looking for a stepladder for some time now and was delighted to come across these in November’s Elle Decoration.  Designed by Karl Malmvall for Design House Stockholm, the Nordic simplicity combined with high-gloss style makes these lacquered-wood version a stylish choice. See momastore.org

Elle also featured this handy wall-mounted pot filler designed for that dream kitchen.  I looked at this and strangely it made me think of my mother who cooked for my father, my six siblings, my two cousins and their parents(who also lived with us when we were growing up) and and endless stream of friends who popped in daily being sure she would rustle something up in minutes without fuss and with absolute love and devotion.  Oh and she worked seven days a week.  Bless; wish my mother had this sort of support and lux when she was younger and yet, in truth it’s not gadgets that helped my mother, it was and simply is her happy heart that wants to give.  It comes from showhouse.moen.com

The last time I visited Amsterdam was on my first wedding anniversary.  No doubt much has changed in 19 years and seeing these images of Mezzo makes me want to take another trip.  I love the mismatched chairs, exposed brick walls, rough wooden shelving and sepia-toned images; it should not work, but it does. It makes the urban vibe feel relaxed and as inviting for singletons as mothers pushing strollers. for more enticing pictures see www.mezzoamsterdam.nl

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Don’t you long to snuggle up in the womb like comfort of your bed as days grow shorter and nighttime comes calling.  I love the ritual of bedtime reading but the very act puts me to sleep with moments of turning the page. Oh, how I would love a room nearby with a quiet cozy corner as featured here.  This was probably my favorite house from my home book, in that it was modern but so very inviting.

This weekend was packed yet perfect.  Friday evening was spent in the company of my dear friend Kelly and our partners.  We ate at La Caprice (which I would never do again) followed by drinks at The Connaught.  I loved that we were there in 15 minutes door to door, but I think some London venues are over-rated.  It is worth the drive to head out of town, especially if that out of town happens to be The Olde Bell in Hurley. I might sound biased because it is owned by our gracious friends, but it’s more than that; every detail has been considered and cared about by my design hero Ilse Crawford.  

Saturday evening was spent at The Olde Bell, in the company of our friends and Ilse herself.  I could wax lyrical about her work forever, but instead I suggest you take a look for yourself (one of her projects above) and buy her superb books; Sensual Home and Home is Where the Heart Is.   Even thought I only had three hours of sleep as we arrived home late and I was up early preparing Sunday lunch for friends, I felt energised because the whole weekend was about sharing time, thoughts, ideas, food……

My bathroom and in particular my bath plays a major part in my life.  Each working days ends with a long soak, leaving me ready and refreshed for the next phase of my day; children/husband/friends.  Just look at these beautiful examples found on a lovely blog – materia designs.

It’s been raining non-stop, but I have had a really lovely day.  It began with my husband and I watching our little boy and his friends singing for the Harvest Festival at the local church.  I had butterflies watched my son stand up and recite the meaning of Harvest in front of his teachers, his peers and their parents.  Manav handled the recital with far more grace and ease than I did, as I then made my way to the Cloth Shop in Portobello Market, where I was to be filmed for the opening sequence of the ITV show.

What joy to spend time in a proper, corner-style shop where the proprietors are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about their stock.  Packed with vintage linens, buttons and ribbons, robust cottons and damasks, this is an absolute must for anyone accessorising their home. And as it’s in the heart of the market, you can take a look for  a ‘lady-like’ on-trend dress that is probably one of a kind and at a fraction of the price if new.

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