My mac crashed on me last week.  As you can imagine, I was mortified and as you can also probably imagine, I had not backed up for the longest time. So when my mac repaired with everything in order, I decided it was time to back up have a good old clear out.  It was then, I came across this shoot of my old flat in Westbourne Grove, taken for a women’s glossie.  The console is now my office desk, the footstool is in my kitchen, the lamp in my hall and the on our top floor landing and that brings me finally to my point – mirrors are quick, easy and inexpensive to transform but add drama to any room.

I brought a cheap mirror from somewhere like MFI and then glued a £5.00 feather duster around the edges and it took literally an hour to do.  I have since re-decorated this mirror with cream paper flowers in different shapes and sizes and I think now, I might glue feathers from a bright pink boa I brought my daughter for dress-up box.  What is great about these sorts of ideas is they need not be perfect as it is simply a matter of layering, which adds depth and more importantly covers mistakes.

Minimal homes can be so dull, but minimal waste and maximum works.  Why bother buying candle holders, when a cluster of old wine bottles creates such a dramatic effect, as seen in Elle Deco, December ’09′.

I have just come across this place in NY and it looks so inviting, relaxed and friendly.  If you happen to be in NY, let me know what you think.  If not, take a look at their inspiring site.  www.moomah.com

I am a summer person through and through, but there is something about the dark days, the rain tapping on the window and winter’s ritual hibernation that invites us to slow down and linger just a little.  Yesterday, after decorating the Christmas tree with the children (yes, early, but why not), I got into my pj’s, wrapped myself in a cashmere blanket and nestled into my comfy armchair surrounded by newspapers and books.  I will gladly and patiently wait for the sun to shine, if it means time spent nestled in the cocoon of my home  - absolute bliss.

the joys of cocooning - image taken from the lovely blog ' this is glamorous'

There are so many amazing wallpaper patterns around and their use need not be limited to walls either.  My dear husband wallpapered our old dining table over the weekend and it looks fabulous.  All you do is use wallpaper paste as you would on the walls and then coat it with three layers of clear acrylic varnish – job done and room transformed.

Lesson over, I thought you might like to know about a company who produces exciting wallpaper geared towards children’s rooms.  I tend to use adult papers in children’s room but just focus on bold patterns and vivid colours but if you want something child-centric, then www.funkylittledarlings.co.uk is a great.

Here is a recent article that recently appeared in You Magazine.

I was so pleased when YOU magazine asked to feature my home, as they were the first magazine to feature my two bed flat in Westbourne Grove, many years ago.  Two children and two house moves later, not much has changed in terms of my style; I still like to surround myself with beautiful things, but nothing is as precious as a relaxed environment in which my family feels safe and comfortable.

I was looking for a new home phone recently and thought, the task of finding one on-line would be quick and easy – not so.  Why is it so hard to find a phone that is cordless, functional, well-priced and is not disguised as bunny?  Anyway, after a rather time-consuming, fustrating few hours, I found one that ticks all the boxes and more. So here are the details for your reference – the Magicbox Colombo 212021.  Google it for any number of suppliers.

I wanted to share the work of Justin Smith, another artists who works with paper to full effect.  Her images are simple, yet strinkingly powerful in their message.  The latest – ‘A Bigger Bang’, says it all.  To see more of her work, visit www.justinsmith.net

Justin Smith's take on the world economy.

There is something so striking about the simple style of Jacqueline Morabito’s interiors.  I first met Jacqueline when I visited her showspace/workshop in La Colle sur Loup in France some eight years back with a view to showcasing her collection in the UK.  In Jacqueline Morabito, I saw a self-assured, charming women who was clearly comfortable in her skin and I believe that is why her style has endured, as I think these images testify. 

A hint of something personal and yet with such personality.

a carved bed takes center stage in a soothing bedroom.

a linen covered day bed and glowing fire make this minimal interior so warm and inviting.

Another person who has stuck to a simple scheme and managed to create a home that exudes comfort and charm, is photographer Paul Massey. By keeping tones similar and skillfully placing various textures and artifacts, he has created a home that is not just to be admired, but clearly also enjoyed.

the white floors, walls and ceilings create a wonderful backdrop for the textures in Paul Masseys kitchen.

old church chairs are painted in palest grey, giving the place a sense of harmony.

neither cluttered, nor sleek and modern, but instead the perfect mix of old and new of lived in and loved.

The lists are made and bags packed; its holiday time and I can’t wait for the chance to spend some one-on-one time with my family.  I know that with the economy as it is, getting away may not be as financially viable as it once was, but where there’s a will. This time last year, we rented a friends house, whilst the builders invaded ours.  When in conversation we mentioned we were looking for a three-month rental, Ali decided the income would offer her the perfect opportunity to take time away with her boys before they started school.  And so it was, Ali spent three months in Australia and we stayed in her stylish home just around the corner from ours.  Here are some photographs of Ali’s home.