Something New - Wallpapers

If you have the budget why not invest in some beautiful wallpaper. Choosing the right wallpaper is essential if you want to create a look that will stand the test of time. Often wallpaper has a much more dramatic impact than paint and you can easily get away with doing one focal point wall instead of a whole room.

Orangerie is from The Baroque Papers collection and is bursting with extravagant detail encapsulating exotic leaf patterns interspersed with flowers and fruit such as the central pineapple motif. Full roll width is 53cm/21", roll length is 10m, pattern repeat is 61cm/24", Available in 21 colourways.

Farrow and Ball have created a stunning new range of papers that will suit any decor syle and come in a wide varieties of finishes and paper types.

ORANGERIE in light blue no 2517

CRAVELLI ROSE  from The Broccato Papers, and is a classic brocade pattern, featuring extravagant plumes of oak tree and acorn motifs in majestic rosettes linked by intricate wheat-inspired trellising. Full roll width is 53cm/21", roll length is 10m, pattern repeat is 31.1cm/12 1/4". Available in 10 colourways.

The Lotus Papers are an artisanal lotus-flower design, which is drawn from 19th century French archives and influenced by the Arts & Crafts Movement. Full roll width is 53cm/21", roll length is 10m, large pattern repeat is 52.2cm/20 1/2", small pattern repeat is 25.8cm/10 1/8". Available in 30 colourways in two different pattern sizes. Suitable for hanging either way.


A perfect way to visually frame your wall paper is to paint the skirting boards with a colour of the same family hue. Here they have used "Theresa's Green" as the colour beneath,, simply stunning if you ask me! 

Find the whole range here at  http://www.farrow-ball.com/the-great-outdoors/content/fcp-content

Something Old - Amish Barn Stars

 Amish Barn Stars have been around for over three hundred of years in North America. Originally they were erected on every building or barn to ward off any evil spirits as believed by the original Dutch religious settlers.

Floral designs, birds, stars and other symbols can be found, either made from tin or simply painted directly onto their buildings. Every symbol had a specific meaning and the star was meant to bring good luck. No wonder that stars are still as popular as ever in the decor world!

Ceramica Blue

Check out our new page specially dedicated to beautiful ceramic designs!

Once upon a time...

Side table painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - the best paint on the market!

You eventually get to a point in your life where you have to take a step back and really think about what it is that makes you feel truly happy. Setting aside the usual things we think of like our children, or our good friends and family, its the other interests in our lives that will eventually lead us to connect to the right path.

Almost thirteen years ago I had the privilege of seeing the world through different eyes. I arrived in London wide eyed and green with just a backpack on my back. Within the space of two weeks I was living in a mansion house with one of Pink Floyd's front men ( as their nanny!) I was instantly immersed into another world more stylish and beautiful than I had ever known, travelling and seeing the world through their eyes.

I absorbed as much as I could, and tried to learn as much as my eyes would let me. After meeting another style icon from New York, I enjoyed watching the transformations of  her  renovation projects, and was mesmerised and intrigued by the emotional effects of living in a truly stylish and beautiful home. 

The birth of Something Blue Living was then, almost twelve years ago as I worked from a small studio in our shared house in London (with a kiln in the kitchen and six messy boys). Spending some magical time in Montecito (California) was the key that unlocked the door, as the lifestyle and colours were exactly what it encompassed. I spent every evening  designing ceramics and creating jewellery from vintage beads that I had bought from the incredible yard sales.

I now know that all my passions, (painting furniture, ceramics,  design, writing, illustrating, teaching, magazines and interiors) have been with me since I was very young and have pointed me in the right direction, showing me the way forward. It is however not until this point (I'm 40!!) that suddenly its all clicked into place, and I feel confidence in what I do.

Old Tables and rusted jugs!

A unused table, an old rusted jug, some beautiful fresh flowers and Spring is in the air!

Easter Crafts

I know most people dont think they are artistic and would rather buy than make, but you could suprise yourself if you just took an hour or two and sat down to make these lovely fabric eggs.

 Collecting small remnants of fabric from around your house, or even asking the local haberdashery store for a small sample (usually they wont charge) you could make a few eggs (with or without the kids!!) that you could use for years.

Mix and match fabrics to create these fun Easter decorations!

Just beautiful!

Easter Trees

 

 

 

 

 

 

A strikingly easy and beautiful arrangement for Easter!

Ive been extremely lucky to make friends with some Swedish girls from my village. Its through them that Ive come to learn about the traditional Easter trees that they make every year in Sweden. The simplicity and symbolism alone a small reminder of a special family time that Easter usually brings.

 Using a budding blossoming twig from any tree, they decorate the arrangement by hanging colourful feathers and decorated eggs from the branches.

Its a great fun project to do with or without the kids! Ive started on mine but tomorrow I will get the kids to paint their eggs and hang them from the tree. Its a great way to preserve a small sentimental reminder from each year of the children aswell, remembering one special egg for each year, much like Christmas!

HAPPY painting and

Happy Easter!