NEVER CONCISE HOME // LIVING ROOM // Mid-Season Update

MID-SEASON LIVING ROOM UPDATE

As we’re now in September (HOW, seriously, HOW?),  and Eli is back to school, I can finally get round to tidying up the house. I have a rather large wish-list of items I’d love for our home, of which I am continually adding to! Having rented for the 15 years we’ve been together, it sometimes feels like our home isn’t ‘home’ as we can’t ever rip up the carpets, or decorate with paints or paper, or add extensions or knock down walls etc. But by using accessories and furniture, we can certainly make the blank canvas that we currently call home a bit more like our own.

INSTAGRAM RUG - AFAR BERBER RUG - LA REDOUTE
LA REDOUTE // “THE INSTAGRAM RUG” // Afaw Berber Rug
£99.00
LA REDOUTE // WATFORD SHELF (SET OF 2) //
£76.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rugs are a great way to add texture, warmth and of course, personality to a room. I still adore the ‘Instagram Rug‘ from La Redoute.  The Afaw Berber style rug is off white, which is flattering to any colour scheme, but also hides a multitude of sins when you have kids running about – pristine white is a bit of a no-go in our house, that’s for sure!

LA REDOUTE // HIBA MAGAZINE RACK //
£65.00
habitat coralie side table
HABITAT // CORALIE // Side Table //
WAS: £150.00 – NOW: £75.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a few leather and natural wood accents in our home. I made the coffee table we currently use from an older butchers block with black Dansette legs. So this Habitat side table would sit really nicely next to that.

COX & COX // SCANDI LOVE SEAT // Blush Pink Velvet
COX & COX // SCANDI LOVE SEAT // Blush Pink
£1,295.00

Can you ever go wrong with a bit of blush pink? We currently only really have blush pink accents in our main bedroom. But I love this COX & COX Love Seat so much, it would have to be in the living room!

made.com bex round circle mirror in black
MADE.COM // BEX MIRROR // Black
£99.00
made.com essentials clock black morley
MADE.COM // MORLEY CLOCK // Black
£10.00

 

 

How much of a bargain is this Made.com Clock? At just £10, this is a great  timepiece for the wall with a minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of the beautiful Swiss railway clocks.

 DYLAN BASE habitat walnut lamp standard floor lamp stand
HABITAT // DYLAN LAMP BASE // Walnut //
£95.00
Buy Cowshed Limited Edition 20th Anniversary Double Wick Candle , 400g Online at johnlewis.com
COWSHED // 20TH ANNIVERSARY CANDLE // 400G £65.00
Uyova Amulet-Shaped Metal Mirror - LA REDOUTE
LA REDOUTE // UYOVA AMULET-SHAPED MIRROR // Metal //
£27.00
Cushion cover - Beige/Patterned - Home All | H&M GB 1
H&M HOME // CUSHION // Beige //
£19.99
Buy Umbra Trigg Small Wall Planters, White, Set of 2 Online at johnlewis.com
UMBRA // SMALL WALL PLANTERS // White //
£25.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cement Style Tall Planter next
NEXT // TALL PLANTER // Cement //
£55.00

I’m currently in love with Danish planters and I love the modern twist of Cement with these from NEXT (!!!! I KNOW!).

LA REDOUTE // TREBLA BASKET // Small //
£27.00
COX & COX // BOOT RACK // Black //
£65.00
Luxe Round Bamboo Drinks Trolley
OLIVER BONAS // DRINKS TROLLEY // Bamboo //
£395.00

 

Ahhh the beautiful bar cart of dreams from Oliver Bonas! I have a feeling this will be on my wishlist for a loooooooong time. This bar cart (well, initially the stunning vintage carts and trolleys of Soho House…) inspired me to make my very own bar cart – you can see my blog post on the DIY for this > HERE!

Abstract Framed Print
NEXT // ABSTRACT PRINT // Framed //
£35.00
Jett 6 Light Fitting
NEXT // JETT LIGHT FITTING // Black Metal //
£110.00
Florbella Scalloped Ceramic Vase
OLIVER BONAS // SCALLOPED VASE // Ceramic //
£27.00

 

 

 

 

Marble Ball Incense Holder
OLIVER BONAS // INCENSE HOLDER // Marble //
£19.00

 

BuyJohn Lewis & Partners Chunky Knit Throw, Natural Online at johnlewis.com
JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS // THROW // Chunky Knit //
£65.00
Hush Linen & Room Spray | hush
HUSH HOMEWEAR // ROOM SPRAY // Linen //
£19.00

 

The Monet foot stool - Att Pynta
ATT PYNTA // FOOT STOOL // Rattan //
£245.00
Handmade Stoneware glazed plant hanger with bead detail
ATT PYNTA // STONEWARE HANGER // Handmade //
£35.00

 

 

IKEA FEJKA artificial potted plant
IKEA // FEJKA // Artificial Bamboo Plant //
£45.00

If you’re not so green-fingered, IKEA stock a brilliant range of artificial plants and flowers. I love this Bamboo, it looks really life-like in, er, real life.

Image result for Medium Fern in Crackle Pot marks
MARKS & SPENCER // FERN // Crackle Pot //
£49.50
Image result for Large Cactus in Crackle Pot marks - MARKS AND SPENCER - M&S
MARKS & SPENCER // CACTUC // IN CRACKLE POT
£49.50

 

OFFERS & PROMOTIONS

25% off everything code at La Redoute

25% off all home at La Redoute!
Code: SAVE25
Ends: 27th September 2018

CLICK TO SHOP

 

I like to move furniture about to give a fresh lease of life to a room – this is a a great way to change your perspective of a room without dipping into the bank. But if you had the cash at hand, what new Living Room items would you go for first? What are you lusting after?

#NeverKnowinglyConciseHOME

C
✖✖✖

BRAND IN FOCUS // ZARA HOME | KIDS: AW17 “Little Adventures”

Zara HOME | Kids have just launched their AW17 campaign: Little Adventures – and it does not disappoint. There are several ranges, that can of course be mixed and matched up for a bespoke theme to you. This season Zara take inspiration from the woodland, grown up Industrial meets Scandi and traditions prints & pastels.

I particularly like the Industrial and reworked style pieces. They look so unique – definitely not something you’d imagine picking up on the high street! The Scandi themes make for a relaxed slumber, while the pastels and prints create a vintage feel.

The Kids Home range doesn’t stop at the sleeping quarters though; there are also bathroom textiles and accessories as well as a dining range.

There are some really lovely pieces to mix & match up and take inspiration from – perfect for refreshing your current Child-space, or curating a brand new room! Shop The Little Adventures range, here.

 

C
✖️✖️✖️

Love. Want. NEED: Bella Freud | The 1970 Jumper.

IMG_6454
London jewellery designer, Sheherazade Goldsmith, wearing Bella Freud at home: Credit The Telegraph.


I first saw this jumper around 2 years ago. It was being adorned by the likes of Kate and Alexa; and like my favourite fashion-people I’d also lusted after the monochrome version of the now infamous 1970 slogan jumper. Much to my family and mates’ disgust confusion dislike, we’re big fans of the 1970’s. Fans of the fashion, music and most predominantly, the design and (Mid Century) interiors of the era. So this jumper struck more than *just* sartorial chord with me. But then I saw a Telegraph article on (aptly named) jewellery designer Sheherazade Goldsmith, and she was wearing a red version of my favourite woollen piece. Be still my beating heart…

So from then, I lusted for the red colourway. The super-soft Merino Wool. The cut and design. The design itself takes its signature motif from a book clipping that Freud used to wear pinned onto a plain jumper.

I do have splashes of colour in my mostly-black wardrobe and I would tend to go for red or green, unless its a vintage or leopard print (or red or green variations of leopard print!) of course.

So the red 1970 Jumper by the lovely Bella Freud is firmly on my NEED list. More or less at the top.

If you so desire, you can own this seemingly cult classic by clicking the link here: Bella Freud at Selfridges.com

Which colourway would you go for?

tumblr_nuig12MHki1s722apo1_1280

bella_models_oct1518008

tumblr_nuigavhHED1s722apo1_1280

1970_jumper_cactusgreen

#MoMWishList

MM.

 

About Bella Freud:

Freud was born in London, England. She is the daughter of Bernardine Coverley and artist Lucian Freud and great granddaughter of the inventor of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud.

She is renowned for her signature jumpers Je t’aime Jane, Ginsberg is God and 1970. Fans of Bella Freud include Alexa Chung, Laura Bailey, Kate Moss and Alison Mosshart.

Bella launched her eponymous label in 1990. Her first collection featured sexy knitted dresses in bookish colours, mini tailored suits and a small selection of shoes and bags. Bella went on to win Most Innovative Designer at the London Fashion Awards in 1991 and produced a Super 8 short film ‘Day at the Races’ as an alternative to a fashion show. Bella’s second film ‘More Clothes’ directed by Kate Garner was shot on 35mm film and showcased the SS 1992 collection.

Seasonal catwalk shows followed, then in 1999 Bella began her fashion film collaboration with John Malkovich, co writing and producing three short films: Strap Hanging, Lady Behave, and Hideous Man. In 2001 Bella also collaborated with rock icon Anita Pallenberg on Memo, a limited edition magazine featuring the AW2000 collection, inspired by the film Performance.

From March 2000 to 2003 Bella consulted for British heritage brand Jaeger, rejuvenating their image and bringing British dressing to a younger audience.

Bella’s love of film continued and in 2013 she art directed the short film Je T’Ecoute, produced by Laura Bailey starring Lara Stone, which screened at White Cube Bermondsey. Bella’s directorial debut ‘Girl Boils Egg’ is a two minute film featuring Punk, commissioned by Nick Knight for SHOWstudio.com.

2013 also saw the development of the RTW collections and expansion into the beauty market. The Bella Freud Eau de Parfum collection was launched in 2014 and has gained a cult following.

What Eli Wore | Little Bird by Jools, “Retro Pyjamas”.

IMG_2997

So, as dedicated followers of 1970’s interiors, we have been ridiculed a lot – to say the very least.

Some of the following statements are just a few of the regular comments that we get when people come by our house:

“Oh god, my Nana had that when I was a kid.”

“Christ, it’s like walking into a time warp in ‘ere.”

“Erm, my Nana called, she wants her crockery/cushions/lampshade/curtains* back” (*delete as appropriate).

I’d say our parents are most opposed to our fondness of all things 70’s. Apparently, they despised the era and just don’t “get” our love and adoration for the prints, the colours, the design, the style – the loveliness! We’ve had 7 houses in our 10 year courtship, so far – we love the 1970’s and we the feelings are mutual, we’re sure. We’ve collected some absolute treasures over the years – and the 7 houses – and we’ve also had some wonderful things handed down to us. We love that the majority of our ‘time warp’ of a house has a story. Most item’s aren’t just things that we bought for the sake of having a fruity looking house – there is sentiment and lasting memory.

As I have mentioned MANY a time, Little Bird by Jools is literally my favourite brand – EVER. I’ve always wanted to dress our children in that 70’s fashion – but not in the itchy or dowdy fabric’s and styles. Little Bird is spot on with design, colour and that whimsical nostalgia that surrounds being an actual CHILD. It’s a little bit of US.

lc7262_1

So, as soon as I clapped eyes on these fruity pyjama’s, I just had to have them! I ADORE them. I bought them back in July when they were first released and kept them for Eli’s 2nd birthday. It was so tough to not break them out of the wrapping paper! We’ve also kept the wellie’s for The Big Feastival at the weekend too. I’m definitely going to have to dress Eli in both, like the campaign – he’ll look wicked!

As you can imagine, I was pretty shocked when some of the usual folks – who would regularly give us jip for our 70’s affection – commented on the first photo of Eli, above, saying how much they loved Eli’s pj’s… and then I had a dozen comments across the social channels asking where they could purchase such wonderful sleepwear! Oh how the tables have turned… and I LOVE IT! I know they’re still just printed pyjama’s, with a retro inspiration – and I know that just because someone likes these pyjama’s, they’re not automatically going to LOVE our house and the rest of the clothes we dress Eli in. But it’s a start… and we love it all regardless, so we’re not changing for nobody! Hurray to the 1970’s!

IMG_8384

IMG_8381

IMG_8382

 

These ‘Retro Pyjamas’ are available in store and online at Mothercare.com now – just click here to purchase!

MM.

“Harmony of Spring” by Vernon Ward.

Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 15.19.25

For those who don’t know, I have a penchant for old interiors – especially from the 70s. I had been particularly fond of a certain 70s print (originally a 1958 painting) by Vernon Ward, entitled “Harmony of Spring”, since we first set eyes upon it back in 2006. I’d searched and searched vintage shops, car boot sales and antique fairs for years and years and not ever come across it. I’d been recently trying to get hold of “The Chinese Lady” by Vladimir Tretchikoff on eBay and low-and-behold “The Harmony of Spring” came up along my search. Why had I never looked on eBay for it before?!

As it happens, it’s quite a popular print. A new listing of the print was coming up every few weeks, but they were either going for far too much money, it would be local collection only or I would miss the listing! I almost gave up. I then found one that was ending within a few days, no bids, it was local pick-up in Leeds. I sent a message to the seller and see if they would be happy for a courier to take the item – obviously at my cost. This is where I praise MyHermes like no other delivery company! I LOVE them! They’re a fantastic courier, dramatically cheaper than Royal Mail/Parcel Force and are so convenient! You can drop your parcel off at a designated MyHermes drop/collect point or the courier can come directly to you and collect the parcel from you. I use them frequently for sending bulky or heavy items. Amazing.

Anyway, I digress. The chap who was selling the print was so so lovely and agreed to help get the print to me, with MyHermes, should I win. The auction was ending REALLY early on a Saturday morning, of course I was up with Eli. I could not believe my luck when I won! And for a ridiculously low price too. It’s stunning in real life, quite a large framed print; originally framed at Boots!

I’m in love with this print. Hope you like it too, here are some more photos. I WILL share more shots of our house when we’re more settled – still in a bit of upheaval post-move at the end of July!

Photo 17-09-2013 15 43 06

Photo 17-09-2013 15 44 06

Photo 17-09-2013 15 45 03

Are there any decades or interior styles that you’re in love with?

MM.

PS – Swans mate for life.