It is quite the most heavenly experience to be paid to go shopping and that is exactly what I did for ITV’s show House Gift, recently.  Of all the random places we ended up going to, the one that really blew me away was Victoria Fine Art and Framing. Whilst it looked like the front door of any other industrial estate unit on the outside, inside was stacked high and tight with frames of all shapes, sizes and periods.  There were also oil paintings ranging from £20 to £10,000.  I would absolutely recommend you visit and just browsing is such fun.  www.victoria-fine-art.com .

Another recommendation is the rug gallery.  They have just set up a site called www.stamprugs.com.

They have been granted permission from Royal Mail and the Queen herself, to put these iconic stamp prints onto Rugs.  The same company also owns The Rug Gallery and you can go to them with any design and have it woven onto your very own personalised rug, be it a flower, a child’s artwork, a photograph; whatever inspires.

Looking forward to Halloween and when you read my feature in the latest issue of unior magazie you’ll see why.

So pleased to have been asked to write a series on Happiness At Home for Chic Today.  For anyone who wants a life of style with substance, Chic Today is worth a look.  Here is one of my posts and you can find others on: http://www.chictoday.com/2010/09/03/reclaim-your-home/

It is all too easy to be seduced into filling a home with the latest gadgets, colours and designer furniture, only to find that it is not representative of your personality and lifestyle.

In a society of instant gratification, everything has become replaceable. Newer, shiner versions keep popping up, cluttering your home and blocking happiness.  Reclaim your sanity and judgement.  Whilst trends come and go, the key to creating a lived-in and loving home comes from mixing handcrafted pieces with contemporary ones, paying tribute to cherished memories and creating space for new ones. Respecting our belongings and valuing our resources goes beyond creating a home that looks good. When you put heart into your home, it feels good.

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