November 30, 2017 in Design Interiors, Lifestyle, Music

24 Top Picks for a Colourful Christmas

If I left this post any longer it would be too late. Or at least that’s how I’m justifying a totally ‘ in your face ‘ Christmas gift guide. I’ve got 24 Picks for a Colourful Christmas.

This is my favourite time of year. It’s the choosing gifts that I love the most and my friends will probably tell you that I drive them potty asking exactly what their kids would like. I really don’t like giving something that I think won’t be used or really wanted.

To save you a bit of time potentially, I’ve put together some ideas for loved ones who love a bit of colour and good design, if you fancy a look through. Some fun things for the kids too. Maybe there will be some items that are just what you are looking for. Also have a discount code for one of the stores a little later on …

I’ve had my eye on that West Elm Planter for some time. It’s a classic shape – I think it would be hard to disappoint with it. Also the vase from Studio Arhoj – these look lovely in a set. As a special gift for someone.

Do you have any rock lovers in your life ? I’m thinking this Gold Hand from Audenza would double up as not only a beacon of ‘ ROCK ‘ on a shelf but also a jewellery holder.

All of these websites here have lots of ideas – definitely worth a look.

1. Slippers – Boden 2. Pink Jumper – Oliver Bonas 3. Purse – Liberty london 4. Semi Precious Ring – Ottoman Hands 5. Grayson Perry Brooch – Lou Taylor 6. Yellow Scarf – Whistles 7. Jacket – Scamp & Dude 8. Purse with Charger – Cuckooland

Good ol’ Boden, eh ? I wear their slippers all the time. Always perfect colour combinations. In fact I’m wearing some as I write this !

A pretty pink throw on knit at this time of year is always appreciated. Oliver Bonas as always have a good selection of clothing and homeware.

This year I’ve got very much in to Ottoman Hands jewellery and constantly swoon over their pieces on instagram. It looks so decadent and it stands out in the crowd.

Being the most massive Grayson Perry fan – how could I not share this brooch by Lou Taylor ? Her website has some fantastic icons such as Iris and Vivienne Westwood, transformed in to statement jewellery. I insist you check her out :)

Also I have much appreciation for Scamp & Dude who are relatively new as a clothing brand but doing really well. A fresh take on bomber jackets and leopard print tops. I like – hope you do as well.

Must just mention this clutch bag / phone charger from Cuckooland. Two in one in a teal colour. What do you think ?

1. Bunny Racer Pyjamas – Boden 2. Pen set – Tatty Devine 3. Pom Pom Hair Bands – Topshop 4. Polaroid Pop – Polaroid 5. Rose Gold Earphones – Sudio Sweden 6. Pink Felt Board – Ginger Snap 7. Water Bottle – Roos Beach 8. Unicorn Snot – The Present Finder

Loads of colour here. Pretty sure the pen set would go down well with a wide age range. Glad to see Tatty Devine doing stationery now – they are always so distinct.

Have you heard of Sudio Sweden headphones ? they come in several colours and styles. I have a 15 % discount across their website if you’re looking for something like this. They have a broad price range so suitable for all. The code is LucyLovesYa15 which you can add at checkout.

Who doesn’t love a felt board – totally instagrammable and really fun. This one is from gift store Gingersnap. They also do orange and yellow boards. Another discount code for you here – if you add PINK at checkout for this board or any items on their site you will currently receive 33% off the price of it. Whoop !

If you haven’t heard of Roos Beach then a good opportunity to look at their store. This water bottle is just one of loads of cool things. They’re based near Newquay, Cornwall and their shop is just fab if you’re ever in the area.

That’s my little round up for now. Hope you enjoyed it. Almost time for mulled wine and gingerbread is it not ? … Almost.

Lucy x

Three Ways to Serve your Christmas Punch this Year

Today I have three ways to serve your Christmas Punch.

Having been the person that doesn’t drink at many party occasions .. ( but not always ) I feel extra aware of the friends and family who can end up with a sparkling water or apple juice in their hand because the main focus is often put on just the booze and that’s understandable – it is a time to unwind after all. But it takes little than a few minutes to make something tasty for the non – drinkers – and you can always slip in your favourite tipple with these also so they’re not strictly non alcoholic.

I’m sharing three super simple combinations that you might find useful and it also gives me a chance to show off my new handmade glassware from LSA International. Presentation is key in making your guests feel special so very happy with these this year. Lots of shimmering candles around adds to the atmosphere and makes a lovely soft glow in the room. These beautiful Pleat Tea Light Holders are inspired by the draping and gathering of fabric as is the larger Pleat Storm Lantern.

For the ‘ mocktails ‘ recipes this Punch Bowl and Glass Ladle is definitely big enough to pour in the ingredients needed – it can hold over 6 litres to be precise and actually make a fab Christmas present don’t you think ? The Punch Cups come in a box of 4 and are a superb way to serve your guests with something a bit different.

As I mentioned earlier I have added some alcoholic additions too if you fancy adding a drop of alcohol to any of them but they are primarily full of fruits.

Here are the 3 options for an alternative Punch.

3 cartons of unsweetened cranberry juice, 1 carton of fresh smooth orange juice and half a litre of good quality lemonade. Then slice some orange and add along with some fresh cranberries and ice ( although they can be quite sour so depends on your taste buds but they are super healthy and good for dressing the drink anyway ). A little sprig of rosemary on top of the glass for decoration finishes it nicely.

You could replace the lemonade with prosecco or vodka.

This one will give a nice kick.

3 cartons of cranberry juice, 3 mugs of orange juice and half a bottle of non – alcoholic ginger beer. Again add some cranberries and orange slices. Ice is good to keep it cold.

Or another version using cranberries as your base flavour is:

3 cartons of cranberry juice. a carton of apple juice ( not from concentrate ) and a bottle of fresh pear juice. You could add some mulled pears, cinnamon sticks and oranges. This is making me thirsty !

Of course you could add a tipple of gin to make it alcoholic. Just warn your guests first :)

Let me know if you try these and like them. Do you have any favourite punch recipes? Would love to hear of some more – do leave me a comment under this post.

Lucy x

Thank you LSA International for my glassware gifts.

Holiday House London – Interior Design Heaven for Breast Cancer Research

holiday house london pink bed interior design beautiful mirror wardrobe

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting and dining at Holiday House, London on Wednesday as a guest of Farrow & Ball.

It took a good day or so after taking the tour of this quite incredible double residence to absorb the scale of designers featured throughout the building and what they have managed to achieve, with the main goal being to raise as much as possible for Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Let me tell you a little more about Holiday House. It was started by interior designer Iris Dankner in America after she discovered that she had breast cancer. Iris decided after having her treatments that she wanted to raise as much awareness as possible for anyone going through the same situation as hers. She decided to combine the two things she felt most passionate about – helping to find a cure and also interior design and so developed Holiday House.

This is it’s premier year in London having been showcased always in the United States before so for the first time here, two huge neighbouring homes at 59 – 61 Hamilton Terrace, NW8 9RG, have been opened up from November 9th – December 10th 2017 and in the process of visitors buying tickets to view the breathtaking rooms all designed by different designers, make lots for this charity.

What’s especially unique is that everything on show in each room is also for sale with a big percentage of each sale also going to Breast Cancer Research.

Being that there were around 26 rooms I’ve picked out some of my favourites although to be honest every single designer has created something really special. I was totally in awe and found it really inspiring for my own interiors work. So much so I got home and was immediately thinking about what I can do next here with different colours and textures. I really enjoyed studying the combinations of Farrow & Ball paints used in many of the rooms.

I’m starting with this stunning room ( top picture and here’s another shot ) because it totally embodied everything I love about interior design. I think I’ve said before how much I love pink, green and gold. This room was put together by London based Amelia Carter.

It’s so rich and opulent. Just look at that wallpaper by de Gournay. Amelia works all over the world and I can definitely see how it has influenced this room. Totally love that Stark carpet too.

This was another space curated by Studio QD and Nicky Haslam that I instantly took a shine to. In fact it made me look at earthy shades from a whole different perspective. The clever addition of books painted in to the wall frames the painting nicely. They used Farrow & ball ‘ Mole’s Breath’ as a bar before a specialist paint finish.

Really liked the mixture of textiles used. A testament to mixing patterns.

Okay so this attic room in House 59 is something I am very inspired by. As we are a ‘ musical ‘ family here at home – I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.

Designer Philippe Maidenberg of Maidenberg Architecture & Roche Bobois has created a luxurious and welcoming space to unwind. It has interactive technology by Playtronica to play with and walls of colourful sofas to chill out on. As it’s at the top of the building it feels separate which means making some noise without waking the rest of the house.

Personally, I think everyone needs somewhere like this in their home !

hazel collins interior designer wallpaper

Hazel Collins Designed much of the hallway and staircase of House 59 up the first floor and has called this project ‘ Healing Harmony ‘ using Farrow & Ball shade Peignoir. I was really taken with her use of stunning wallpaper ‘Birds in Chains ‘ by Kit Miles Studio. It contrasts with the marble so well.

As you can see all the rooms are so different and that’s what makes the experience so interesting. Rosalind Wilson Design has curated ‘ Striped Night ‘ here using Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball. I think it made a square shaped room really characterful and bold without making it feel small and dark with total solid colour.

Everything about Beth Clancy’s room made me smile. Beth is senior designer at Rachel Laxer Interiors. Beth, like me, started in fashion and moved over to interiors.

This is called ‘ A Midsummers Dressing Room ‘ and it’s a dream ! Full of vintage pieces and as I mentioned earlier – everything is for sale so if you visit and see something you love you can buy it, as with everything in both the homes.

My eyes were drawn to the rug which is by Tiana Johnson Design. Gorgeous against the dark wood. The chandelier is by Porto Romana.

It’s a Grecian, Aegean Sea aesthetic here bright to life by award winning Laura Hammett. So calming and I thought the drapery over the bed was really effective. The wallpapered wardrobe is stunning. All those lovely textures together ! Love.

I couldn’t wait to show my daughters a picture this bedroom. Although Mae is more a blue fan – and Betsey is the pink lover – they both absolutely adore everything about it. By Studio Suss, it’s named ‘ Teenage Dream’.

Studio Suss are at the cutting edge of design and work in both the commercial world as well as for clients and their homes.

Everyone loves a neon light, right ? It’s from Bag & Bones. I am a fan of Penelope Hope so was pleased to see some of her cushions on the bed.

The wall print was painted on and the ceiling has splashed of gold. Oh to be a teenager again … but it never stops me using these strong shades nowadays anyway in my own rooms.

There are so many other amazing designers to see and I don’t want to completely spoil it for you if you’re planning a visit. Do go if you can. I think you’ll really enjoy it.

Tickets can be found here at www.holidayhouselondon.eventbrite.co.uk

Thank you so much to Rachel Laxer for showing us around and being so informative. As a fan of her work it was a real treat.

Also a huge thanks to Farrow & Ball for inviting me and for the tastiest supper. Such lovely company.

Lucy x

All images copyright Mel Yates Photography 2017

Enhance the Season with the Artesano Nature Range

There are several elements that make up the perfect ceramic for me and that is the quality, how they’re made, design and and how they will blend with my own kitchen palette. I like to enhance the Season and am doing so here with the Artesano Nature Range.

I like the tableware to enhance the colour of the food and drink – making the whole experience of eating even more enjoyable. After all, that’s what dining is all about isn’t it ?

When I spotted Villeroy & Boch’s new for this year Artesano Nature Range recently I did a little jump for joy as it ticks all those boxes.

I’m a fan of their company anyway so as it’s getting all Autumnal out there and this season is earthy and beautiful – it seems a good time to talk about this collection as it’s inspired by nature. I love it when a plan comes together !

All hand painted and in three different natural hues that work perfectly well together as a trio – Vert, Bleu and Beige. It also works well with Villeroy & Boch’s original Artesano range which is pure white.

blue plate artesano nature villeroy & Boch tableware

A clever combination – it also would work well mixed up with patterns. The colours sit well in between neutrals and prints. The brushed swirl design is fresh and eye catching without being too dominating.

For your starters through to the main meal, the colours can be layered like this to create a feeling of luxury and a fab splash of colour maybe against a white or background ?

With the Winter season on it’s way I also think it would really enhance the rich reds and greens of the season. A charming splash of colour at the table.

A roast using their dinner plates or a bowl full of festive soup. I like their pizza and bread plates too. Very party friendly.

It’s getting me all excited about that time of year … can I say it yet ?

An early morning coffee in one of the mugs looks pretty delicious too. I think the designs evoke nature perfectly – the shades of the beige in this mug matches the wood tones.

Now, I know I’m a colour nerd but I hope you agree with me that this is a really lovely and versatile range by Villeroy & Boch ? They have been in production since 1748 so they sure know what they are doing.

If you’d like to check out the entire set including dipping bowls, espresso mugs and cups and saucers then you can find it all on their website here.

Leave me a comment under this post and let me know your thoughts …

Lucy x

This is a collaboration with Villeroy & Boch. All opinions as ever are my own.

Adventure of a Lifetime on the Road with Coldplay

coldplay set toronto 2017 color colour music gig

If you’ve stayed with me through the last 3 posts you’ll know by this post we are in Toronto and the girls are literally having an Adventure of a Lifetime with Coldplay.

For the last gig and because they opened up the roof of The Rogers Centre we wanted to spend some quality time there during the day. It was literally baking hot and beautiful.

toronto ice cream van quirky fun inspiring

But first we wanted to eat eat ice cream ( mega ? )and take a trip up the CN Tower especially as it was right next to where we were staying.

Apparently on a clear day you can see as far as Niagara Falls. it was a pretty good view but if I’m honest I was just keeping it together enough to do brave face up at the top … sssshh don’t tell the girls.

I’m sure the tower sways ever so slightly ? Or was I imagining it ? But it was spectacular to be up there and see the whole of the city. Mae even encouraged me to stand on the glass floor with her – which I did but there’s no way I’m posting that photo.

You could see the Tower inside the music venue – and at night it twinkled along with the Coldplay hits and changed colours. I kept looking up at it and trying to paste the moment in my mind for keeps.

There’s always so much to do on the day of a show. They have the finest team and they work so, so hard. Plus they are super nice with visitors. What a lovely bunch of people.

Mae and Bets appeared on Coldplay’s instagram stories while over the week. Look a them being all industrious ! :)

So there we have it. Our little road trip. I’ve always wanted to do one but had no idea that we would get to do one as part of Coldplay’s tour. Which by the way was one of the kindest things anyone has done for us in a long time. I will never forget it.

The concerts each time were energising and so rich in colour. I was literally in heaven. I tell you, if you want to see a show that fills you with positivity then this is the show to see. They seem to have a way of connecting with the audiences even when it’s 50,000 and making everyone feel they are special. It’s a pretty cool thing.

The catering was out of this world. Different every day and very tasty. It gave me some ideas for some new recipes.

Mae has come home and played the piano non stop. So all in all an inspiring time for us all.

How am I going to up this for next Summer Hols ? Gulp !

Hope you have enjoyed each post. You can catch up on the other below in my stream and also find me on Bloglovin’.

Lucy x