International Men’s Health Month and of-course Fathers Day are around the corner and both are there to focus our appreciation on the men in our lives.  Father’s, brothers, husbands, sons; they all have challenging roles to play in a society where the new gender rules are blurred.

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 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

We have just finished our laundry room and used a weathered console on which to rest our round sink and beside it sits an amour that houses our linens and other laundry bits.  It feels warm and inviting but like another room, rather than a purely functional space.  Since I don’t feel inspired to take a shot, here is a similar look I found in Living etc. I love the shiny happy bright yellow basin combined with the bold but muted walls – divine.

Whilst looking for a little design inspiration I came across this www.fourwallsandaroof.com.  Look at these lovely, inviting living spaces and go to their site to see many more. 

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.