Interiors Archives - Page 2 of 2

Cooking Brunch with Morsø Pans

This post was created in collaboration with Morsø.

**Morsø** Frying Pan* | **Morsø** 1.7l Saucepan with Lid* | **Another Country** Irish Linen Napkin in Off-White | **Morsø** Mill ’14* | **Morsø** Salt ’14* | **Nicolas Vahé** Salt In A Bag* | **Meraki** Tea Towel in White/Grey* | **Another Country** Trivet | **Housedoctor** White Marble Cheese Board* | **Another Country** Big Bowl | **Another Country** Classic Cutlery | **Another Country** Dinner Plate | **Another Country** Pinch Pot

I’m not usually one for sharing what I cook at home, although cooking is something I love to do, and do often. However, I received these beautifully designed pans from Morsø recently and wanted to do something different to showcase them. I’m sharing one of my favourite Scandinavian-inspired brunch recipes, celeriac rosti with poached eggs and gravlax. I eat poached eggs like they’re going out of fashion and I like to mix it up a little and avoid having bread every time, rosti is my favourite alternative. As Morsø is a Danish brand it also seemed appropriate to cook something that’s quite Scandinavian.

Recipe For Celeriac Rosti with Poached Eggs & Gravlax

Ingredients:
½ red onion – finely chopped
½ celeriac – grated
5 eggs
side of gravlax
dill sauce
apple cider vinegar
20g butter
salt & pepper

Time: 30 mins Serves: 2

Method:
1. In a large bowl combine the red onion, celeriac, 1 egg and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Heat the butter in a frying pan on a medium heat.
3. Form 4 palm-sized patties in your hands.
4. Fry each patty for a few minutes, turning when you notice them start to turn golden.
5. Once cooked on both sides, remove them from the pan and place on kitchen roll to remove some of the grease.
6. Fill the saucepan with water and ½ a tablespoon of vinegar, and bring to the boil.
7. Poach 2 eggs at a time.
8. Place your gravlax, rostis and poached eggs on a plate, and serve with dill sauce.

A Bedside Lamp With A Difference

This post was created in collaboration with Houseology.

I used the bank holiday weekend to do some DIY in the house; a little project I’d been planning for a while, to convert a pendant lamp into a bedside lamp. I can’t take the credit for the idea though, like most of my projects it was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest.

I’ve put together a step-by-step guide in case anyone else would like to have a go. At the end of the post there are links to everything you need.

Step 1

Thread the cable through the EU plug so that the two wires extend just beyond the casing. Loosen the two screws in the small transparent plate and thread the the ends of the wire into the little holes. Tighten the screws to hold the wires securely.

Step 2

Then, fix the plate into the case of the plug with the central screw.

Step 3

Unscrew the central screw in the UK plug and flip it open. Secure the EU plug inside the two metal clips and then re-close the plug and screw shut.

(If you don’t plan to fit a switch, skip to step 7)

Step 4

Measure a meter along the cable from the plug and using wire cutters or a Stanley knife cut the cable in two. Carefully cut through the grey outer tube of the cable on each of the newly cut ends, about 2.5cm from the end. And then, do the same to each of the revealed wires about 0.75cm from the ends.

Step 5

Remove the cover of the switch, loosen the screws at each end and thread the wires of the cable into each hole as per the photo below. Then, tighten the screws to secure them in place. Replace the cover.

Step 6

Fit the bulb (using a cloth so you don’t get any fingerprints on the glass) and test it all works. Then, remove the bulb.

Step 7

Using a spirit level to make sure the metal hook is straight, mark the two holes for the screws on the wall where you want the gym hook to go. Drill two holes (I used a No. 6 drill bit), fit the rawl plugs that come with the hook and screw the metal hook in place.

Step 8

Fit the the gym hook onto the metal hook and fix in place with the small screw, using the allen key provided.

Step 9

Wrap the cable through the gym hook a number of times and fit the bulb once more.

**Muuto** E27 Pendant Lamp in Grey* | **Muuto** Ceiling Cap Single Canopy For E27 Pendant* | **COS x HAY** Large Gym Hook in Natural | **B&Q** 1-Way Single White Switch

Wall Decorations

**Desenio** ‘Let The Light In’ Print 50x70cm* | **Desenio** White Passe-Partout 70x100cm* | **Desenio** Black Picture Frame 70x100cm*

**IKEA** Round Metal Mirror | **H&M** Men’s Black Leather Belts

**House Doctor** Everyday 2016 Concrete Wall Clock*

**Desenio** ‘Simple Balance’ Print 30x40cm* | **Desenio** Black Picture Frame 30x40cm* | **Desenio** ‘Hellebore Leaf’ Print 50x70cm* | **Desenio** Black Picture Frame 30x40cm* | **Desenio** ‘White Stroke’ Print 50x70cm* | **Cox & Cox** Oak Display Dome* | **H&M** Metal Candlestick Holder | **India May** Large Nordic Candle Holder*

**Samantha Totty** ‘Circle No.1’ Print 50x70cm | **Desenio** ‘Black Forest’ Print 50x70cm | **Habitat** Dark Birch 50x70cm Frames

A home never feels quite finished without artwork on the walls, like the books on your shelves, there’s something so personal about what you display on your walls, and what it says about you. It’s really important that it’s something you’re going to appreciate whenever you look at it. When it comes to knowing what works where, how high or low to hang it and how to group things I’ve found that it takes a lot of time and consideration. So I don’t end up with hundreds of holes in the walls I use masking tape and greaseproof paper to give me an idea of what size works where. I’ve also found that lots of websites will give you examples of what prints work well together or what frame suits the print. If not, a set of two or three prints in the same series always look great together. Or try playing with proportions mixing prints of different sizes. If you want to mix and match different styles, black and white prints will usually work well together.

I’m not keen on hanging prints on every wall (I prefer to keep things minimal) so I’ve found that decorative hooks, clocks and mirrors are a great way of breaking things up, as well as being functional. The mirror in our living room was inspired by the 1950s designed Gubi Adnet mirror, which has a fairly hefty price tag. My DIY version uses a cheap IKEA mirror and some leather belts from H&M to create a similar look. It wasn’t until our concrete clock from House Doctor was up that I realised just how useful it is. I love the concrete and brass together, and it looks great on a white wall. I’ve also become a bit obsessed with hooks in the house lately, I don’t think I’d appreciated how useful they were before. There are some great designs available from Scandinavian brands like House Doctor, Muuto and HAY.

NICOLEHOLLIS Studio

Usually I feature home interiors but when I came across this stunning studio space it felt right to share it. I’m a creative and have always dreamed of having my own studio space. I hope that there will come a time in the not too distant future when I’m able to take on a space that I can make as welcoming and inspiring as this studio.

This stunning space is the NICOLEHOLLIS Studio in San Francisco. It’s a 5,000 sq. foot, old industrial building with original steel framed windows and high ceilings. Not only do the large windows flood the building with light but also offer a view which stretches from the Bay Bridge to Twin Peaks. Poured concrete has been used throughout for the flooring, creating a continuity between the divided space. Made to feel as relaxed as possible, many rooms emulate home comforts, like the kitchen with its island, a meeting room that appear more like a dining room and one that’s like a living room. A large dining table in the kitchen encourages staff to have lunch family-style.

NICOLEHOLLIS Studio work with many inspiring designers, artists and fabricators who often drop off new furniture and materials to be placed around the studio for inspiration. In addition, there’s a beautiful charred wood wall, turned black with the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, that separates off their materials library.

The reception is a little more traditional in it’s design but with a beautiful ode to American conceptual artist, Donald Judd, the front desk is a stunning brass-clad box.

New Bedroom Textiles

This post was created in collaboration with The White Company.

**The Duvet Store** Hungarian Goose Down Duvet | **Habitat** Duvet Cover* | **The White Company** Square Pillows* | **The White Company** Square Pillowcases* | **The White Company** Standard Pillows* | **The White Company** Standard Pillow Cases (top)* | **Habitat** Standard Pillow Cases (bottom)* | **The White Company** Quilt* | **Wood/Grey** Stripe Cushion* | **Wood/Grey** Blanket*

**West Elm** Souk Wool Rug* | **Mahabis** Classic Slippers in Larvik Grey* (10% off with code ‘IGX-9d5bd925’)

Finding good textiles to use in the bedroom is vital if you want to create an inviting, warm space that you feel comfortable in. I thought I’d share a few of my favourite brands and items, as I begin to share my home with you on Style&Minimalism. From duvets to rugs, pillowcases to blankets, I’ve tried all sorts and have been lucky to discover some really great products.

Without a good night’s sleep I can’t function so finding bedding that works for both me and Dan was really important. We were given our Hungarian goose down duvet as a Christmas present, and have been very happy with it, at 10.5 togs it’s both lightweight and warm. Our pillows are a new addition from The White Company. The large square ones are great for sitting up and reading in bed, and the standard pillows are a special design with three chambers for a better sleeping position. The two outer chambers have more supportive feathers for side sleepers and the central chamber has more soft down ideal for front or back sleepers. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in how my neck feels when I wake up.

Bedlinen can also make a huge difference to how I feel in bed, I prefer cotton sheets as they feel fresh and clean, and usually go for a simple palette of white and pale grey. I’ve experimented a little with linen pillowcases and although I like the look and feel of them they’re not as soft on my face as cotton. The square pillowcases and top standard pillowcases are from The White Company’s Avignon collection. I love the little pom-pom details along the edges, it’s fun but still quite minimal. The bottom standard pillowcases and duvet cover are both from Habitat, part of their Percale collection, a 180 thread count Egyptian cotton that is more soft than crisp; it feels really good to be enveloped in. On top of the duvet we have a gorgeous grey quilt, perfect for keeping our feet warm on cold winter nights, or chillier summer ones when I’ll be pulling it up over a flat sheet. It’s another item from The White Company, a brand as you’ve probably gathered by now I’m quite fond of. The quality is just so much better than most you find on the high street. There’s a coordinating cushion that goes with the quilt but I prefer not to have everything too matchy-matchy, mine’s from Wood/Grey, an incredible little website that sources some really beautiful and unusual designs for the home. They have some great beauty products, too, like Herbivore Botanicals. The herringbone blanket across the bed is also from them.

I think it’s really important to have great textiles on the floor, too. Wandering around the room barefoot you want to feel something soft under your feet. When I first featured this Beni Ourain style rug from West Elm I had no idea that it was going to be so soft! It’s the sort of rug you stop just to wriggle your toes in. I cannot express just how happy I am with it. Downstairs we have floorboards and tiles so I wear slippers most of the time. These Mahabis ones have a soft wool lining, squidgy cushioned inner sole and detachable outer soles which convert them into an outdoor shoe. They’re really warm and comfortable.

I would love to know if you’ve tried any of the products and what you thought of them. Or if you have any great recommendations please let me know in the comments section below.

Could You Live With Less?

This post was created in collaboration with Habitat.

When people talk about ‘less is more’ they’re probably not suggesting you sell all your prized possessions and live in an empty white box. It’s a phrase that was first used in design by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and he explained it as having ‘the greatest effect with the least means’.

1. TALIA White Bench | 2. LYSS Smoked Glass Table Lamp (no longer available) | 3. SUEDA Nude Pink Suede Cushion (no longer available) | 4. MERCO Black & White Ceramic Vase (no longer available) | 5. VIVA Glass Teapot with Infuser (no longer available) | 6. YVES Black Floor Lamp with Black Shade (no longer available) | 7. DEACON Blue Faceted Bowl (no longer available) | 8. VIVA Set of 2 Double Walled Glass Cups (no longer available) | 9. LYLE Charcoal Fabric 3 Seater Sofa

For me, it’s about buying only the things we really need and appreciate, whether that be aesthetically or functionally (or both, whenever possible); and getting rid of those we don’t. We currently live in a society in which we show our wealth with excess and I think it’s about time we took stock and realised that this nonsensical approach might not be the greatest one. It’s not only damaging to the environment but nurtures an anxiety in us to keep proving our success through larger, grander purchases. I’m not suggesting you stop working towards a better future for yourself. Just consider how you spend those well-earned pounds and pennies. Think about whether the next item you buy is going to make you happy today or for years to come. Will you still want to live with it in six months time? I’ve found that spending my money on items I really love and surrounding myself with these things makes me feel good in a way I never expected. You’ll also find that you save money, as you won’t feel the need to replace things so often because you’ll still enjoy both using and seeing them in your home.

Getting to grips with your personal tastes can be beneficial in determining what really brings you joy in your home. Go out and spend time soaking up the atmosphere and decoration in your favourite cafés, restaurants and hotels. Pick up a few interiors magazines next time you’re passing a newsstand or scour your local bookshop for interior design books, and sit with a cup of coffee and savour the pages. Pinterest boards are also an incredible way to build up a picture of what excites you. By discovering and determining the style that you love most you’ll make much better buying decisions. You’ll also find that the things you buy sit well together.

Over the last few years I’ve discovered that I’m drawn to a fairly minimalist aesthetic, functional pieces that have been made with great consideration for material and construction. They are quietly confident pieces that need no fanfare. I’m no longer distracted by what’s trending and know what suits me and my style. When I shop I look for pieces that will have a function in my home and I’ll have a spot in mind for them before I actually make a purchase. If you’re not sure, use the wish list function on your favourite website to curate a collection of items that you think might work. Then come back to them in a week or a fortnight when you’ve really given them some consideration.

It’s quite common to stop noticing the items we decorate our homes with, even the ones we spent hours debating over buying. We get them home, find the perfect place for them and then after a few months become quite used to them, to the point where we stop acknowledging them in the same way we once did. It’s not that you like them any less, they’ve just become part of the furniture (excuse the pun). Every couple of months have a rejig, move plants and prints around the house, change the books on your coffee table, try out a different configuration of your furniture. And if there are pieces in your home that you’ve completely tired of, get rid of them, either by selling them or giving them away to charity.

Islington Maisonette by Larissa Johnston Architects

Continue reading Islington Maisonette by Larissa Johnston Architects

New Season Bedroom Accessories

Spring is only a few weeks away and I’m looking forward to the longer days; for me more daylight means more shooting time and not worrying if I’ve missed the only good light of the day. As we’re coming out of winter I feel like it’s a good time to freshen things up in the house.

I’ve been thinking more and more about how we use our bedroom and the kind of mood I want to inspire. Above all else it’s where we sleep so the bed, bed linen, pillows and duvet need to work hard. I think textiles are key when it comes to creating a comfortable and relaxed space. The White Company are one of my favourite brands for bed linen, the quality is exceptional and although not cheap I think their products are good value. I’ve been on the lookout for a great quilt for a little while and their new Bourton Collection has a gorgeous grey one that has matching cushion covers. It’s grey herringbone on one side and a stripe chambray on the other, so when I fancy a change I can flip it over.

I’m starting to experiment with lighting, we have downlights in most rooms but I think we’re missing a trick and could do with a few lamps here and there. I’ve seen a lot of great designs out there that don’t seem too expensive, especially for something that makes such a big difference to the mood of a room. Scandinavian designers are particularly good with lighting; maybe as daylight (or lack of it) has such a big impact on them. MENU and ferm LIVING are two brilliant Danish brands that not only make great lamps but lots other great homeware products, too. I’ve picked out a couple of my favourites above.

Like many of my Instagram buddies I’ve become quite obsessed with Beni Ourain rugs. They’re traditional Moroccan rugs woven from undyed natural wool by the Beni Ourain people from the Rif Mountains. Modernist architects, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright were also known to like them. Like those guys, I’m a fan of order but I love the imperfect nature of their patterns. The thick pile is perfect for rubbing your toes in as you get out of bed. With their current popularity there are so many great Beni Ourain style rugs available online, I particularly love this one from West Elm. It’s not a traditional Moroccan rug but was made in New Delhi as part of the Craftmark initiative, “which helps denote genuine Indian handicrafts, develop sector-wide minimum standards and norms for labeling a product as a handicrafts product“. If you’re looking for a genuine Moroccan rug, India May Home have some coming soon.

One of the other things I like to do in bed is read a good book. I read a lot, I have a book on the go constantly. Usually I buy three or four at a time which I keep beside the bed. I’m planning to put up a new shelf in our bedroom to keep them on so I can keep my bedside table clear. I’m undecided about the style and size of the shelf at the moment as I’ve yet to decide where to hang it but I love the simplicity of this one by Frama. And being a book lover, the recent discovery of Folio Society has got me all excited, their beautifully bound editions are keepers.

Calming Minimalist Bedroom Moodboard

I’ve decided it’s about time we finish decorating our home so that we can relax, entertain and generally enjoy being in it more. I’m going to start with our bedroom as it’s such an important room in the house for me. It’s where I start my day, often on my laptop (I know it’s naughty but it suits me), it’s a warm room that is often flooded with light early on. It’s also the tidiest room in the house which means no distractions until my cat comes to tell me she’s hungry or my stomach tells me I am.

For me, a bedroom should feel relaxed and comfortable, a place in which you can unwind in the evening and wake in the morning feeling revived. What can make us feel these things is different for everyone. Personally, I love a calming minimalist bedroom, with clean lines and neutral tones. I find busyness and clutter overwhelming, I’m an observant details-oriented person so I pick up on everything in a room. A simple space helps keep my mind still and allows me to feelinspired in the morning, a time in the day when we are all naturally more creative. Getting to understand your wants and needs from a space can make it a whole lot easier to decorate. I don’t use the room much during the rest of the day, except to pop up in the early evening to do some yoga. I’ll dim the lights and light candles before I start. And then return much later in the evening for bed, often reading before I drop off.

On my list are grey and white linen sheets, striped pillowcases, simple mood lighting for reading and relaxing, some great black and white or neutral coloured prints for the walls, textural cushions and quilts for the bed, warming wooden accents, and a Moroccan Beldi deep wool rug. An incredible armchair to curl up in and read my magazines would be a bonus.

I’m using Pinterest for a lot of my inspiration for this project, I have quite a few interior design boards. If you’re looking for similar inspiration take a look here.

All photography found on Pinterest.

Minimalist Christmas Decorations

Have you put up your Christmas decorations, yet? No, then you’re not alone, apparently most people are expected to decorate their house this weekend. I insisted Dan buy our Christmas tree last week but the poor thing has sat undecorated for all week whilst I’ve been running across town for various events.

For me today is the day. I spent the morning searching through Pinterest and found some inspiring images. These are my favourites but you can see the rest of the board I created here, if you want a little more inspiration. As with my home and personal style, I’ve gone for quite minimal Christmas decorations; think green foliage, pine cones, red berries and lots of candles. I want to give my house a homely hygge feel.

I want it to be a calm, peaceful time of year when we slow down and spend quality time with our family and friends. A slice of panettone, lots of satsumas and a few glasses of mulled wine will help me get in the mood.

All images found on Pinterest