White on White

Posted by Nick Burrin, on February 9th, 2010, under Lifestyle, RSS

I love flicking through books on various aspects of design, from which I have gained much inspiration for the way I live my life.

One of my favourite books is White on white by Stephanie Hoppen.

The cover note begins with the words

“White is the color for all seasons, and it never goes out of style. Rest your tired soul in a cool summer beach room, revel in the sumptuousness of an orange-white living room steeped in autumn elegance, or welcome winter with a classic gold-and-white table setting.”

The idea of white being a colour for all seasons is so true, and the book is beautifully arranged beginning with ideas for spring, and following through into summer, autumn and then winter.

This book is different – whilst it is packed with interior style, it does not just focus on the white furnishings and room sets.  Summer eating features images of crisp white meringues, and plates of sushi set for a floor level feast; whilst autumn is evoked with images of white custard squashes and a large glass bowl overflowing with juicy white currants.

An Easter table is dressed with white flowers including white anemones, lily of the valley and a mini forest of “Paper white” narcissi, whilst matt white eggs sit on clumps of Helxine soleirolii. Stephanie suggests suitable fabrics to protect yourself from the dazzling white summer sun, showing ideas for dressing your windows with simple cottons, canvas and muslins. Everything is covered from the white bath to the white comfort and white winter sparkle.

This really is a book for all seasons; the perfect picture of white for all year round.

Tags: four seasons, shades of white, Stephanie Hoppen, white, white design, white interiors, white on white, white seasons

   No Comments

The tall, thin storage solution

Posted by Steph, on February 7th, 2010, under Home Makeovers, RSS

Sometimes we all need a little extra storage space in our homes.

Sometimes we just don’t have the space available for a standard bookcase or cupboard, and the idea of screwing a few open shelves to the wall just doesn’t cut it. Just how much time is taken up hunting around large furniture stores and trawling the Internet looking for the needle in the haystack – that one unit that will fit into a narrow space, that is tall enough to hold its own as a stand alone piece, that has style, and that all important storage space?

Relax!!! The hunt is over!!!

We have designed the ideal bookcase for that little space that is crying out to be utilised – the New Hampshire Single Bookcase.

Our tall thin white painted bookcase stands a very respectable 181cm tall. It has a width of just 52cm at the widest point – being the very top of the unit. The depth of the white storage unit is 36cm.

With a fresh New England Style, we originally designed our slim bookcase with bathroom storage in mind. Now that the bookcases are here and in stock, we realise that this is not just a bathroom unit, it is a very versatile piece of white furniture.

Maybe your difficult space is in your hallway, or on your landing. Perhaps you need just that little extra storage in the corner of a bedroom or living room. Perhaps you are looking for a white bathroom shelving unit – or maybe you are simply looking for a sleek white bookcase on which to display a few personal treasures. You may be seeking a place to store those tall hardback books, or somewhere to store the winter hats and scarves.

Whatever your needs – our white single bookcase might just be the answer!

Tags: bathroom storage, new hampshire single bookcase, slim bookcase, tall bookcase, thin bookcase, white bookcase, white shelves

   No Comments

Coastal Look is “ultra-fashionable” for 2010

Posted by Steph, on February 5th, 2010, under Home Makeovers, RSS

Writing in the Press and Journal, Gabrielle Fagan looks at key trends for home interiors in 2010.

Amongst trends such as Spring Greens, Flower Power and Monochromatic Magic, Gabrielle writes that Coastal Style is definately a look for 2010.

“A relaxed coastal look will be ultra-fashionable,” says Marnie Janaway, head of home design for Sainsbury’s.

“The allure of the sea is strong this year, with all things nautical in vogue. Refresh a home with an airy Hamptons beach house palette of tranquil blues and understated neutrals.

“Cool cottons, natural rattans, galvanised metals and folk-inspired patterns can be easily mixed and matched across different rooms of the home, from bedroom to bathroom.”

So why not modernise your home by painting your walls and floorboards white and adding New England Style white painted furniture? Complete the holiday home look by adding accessories such as cushions, blinds and curtains in sea blue shades.

Add a set of Beach Hut Money Boxes, and you’ll even have somewhere to save for next year’s holiday!

Tags: 2010 trends, Beach Hut, coastal interior, Coastal Style, holiday home, nautical, seaside style

   No Comments