Interior Design

Living by the coast is a must for me, I might be able to swap it for the country if I had acres and a horse, but being able to walk my little dog along the beach in the morning on a sunny day can make all your troubles seem small. I believe in extending this feeling to your home, whether you live by the beach or a million miles away and I don't mean filling your house with little wooden yachts, anchors and such, just contrasting blue and white in different shades, introducing natural textures against a fresh, neutral background that may fool you into feeling your on a constant holiday. This Newport retreat has it all and I know you will find plenty to inspire. Digs Design Company are behind this beautiful coastal interior. Fresh as the sea air this Newport beach home features varying shades of blue and reminds me of time I spent in the Greek Islands as a teenager. Whenever I see white walls like the ones in this home, I want to grab a paintbrush and roller and whizz around my livi...

Photograph via Alpana.deshmukh on Instagram The first impression you receive of a home is the exterior, so the exterior of your home should be as inviting as you can make it. Landscaping need not cost thousands of dollars, it may simply mean planting something that will give your home the 'wow' factor such as this amazing wisteria or some carefully placed pots. If you don't have the luxury of a front garden or only a small area or paving, there are lots of ideas to improve its curb appeal.  Placing plants in appropriate size pots such as topiary or annuals or using climbers against the house or espalier, can totally change the look of your home, not only making it more welcoming but adding value. When it comes to choosing your pot's there are many different designs and it can be a bit confusing. Terracotta pots require sealing or you will find them drying out very quickly in summer. Think about the architecture of your house and the size of the front entrance when choos...

One of my favourite US Designers is Blackband Design and this weeks 'Spaces I love' comes from one of their Newport Harbour Projects. What is it about these spaces I love so much? Above: Panelling can add charm and character to a space. If you don't have much architectural detail in your home, panelling (wainscot) will add detail and take it from boring to interesting. My beach house is panelled in the hallway and I intend to do this in my little cottage . I love stud detailing on chairs, it's so classy. Above: It is all about clean surfaces and minimal styling, don't clutter, take note from the simple flowers and white bowl of crisp, green apples that enhance this gorgeous grey veined, marble island. Above: Bookshelves need not be for books which can often make them appear untidy, instead opt to display a few photographs and some decorative pieces. If you want to display books, keep them to a minimum and stack them horizontally, topping them off with a decorative ...