A Look Around My Home – Bathroom

9th Apr 201928th Mar 2023 | Suzi Tench

I have been wanting to do another “Look Around My Home” room tour for a while (you can see my living room post here) but I felt, at the time, that none of my rooms were quite how I wanted them to be. When I scheduled this post into my blog calendar, I was hoping that my bedroom would be ready to show you all, but, in the last few weeks I have moved my room around and am thinking about re-decorating it as the colour on the walls currently, is not my favorite. Instead of postponing this post though, I have chosen to share with you all my bathroom which I’m super happy with right now!

Just to let you know that this post IS IMAGE HEAVY… (just to warn you incase it doesn’t load on your device…)

As you can see my bathroom has a duck theme with blue and yellow accessories. I really love the little drawer unit which is handy to keep all my bathroom essentials in along with any spare bath products. I love that I can display my collections of sea glass, shells and pebbles on top. This room is really bright and fun and always makes me smile!

How have you styled your bathroom?

Current Interior Trends – Spring

24th Mar 201928th Mar 2023 | Suzi Tench

current interior trends - spring 2019

Since Pantone revealed their Colour of the Year on the 6th December 2018, I have been waiting for an influx of all things “Living Coral” coloured, or at least coral, but there have not been too many of those items to be seen in places selling home interior items. Today I am looking at what the current home interior trends are for spring and there doesn’t seem to be a coral object amongst them.

Marble effect items seem to still be going strong, this trend has been around since 2016 and is showing no sign of stopping. You can get pretty much anything with a marble effect finish, from notebooks and stationery items to side tables and bedding though I have noticed a move from the grey and white marble effect into other colours such as pink and blue. I don’t think this trend will be going away soon.

Houseplants seem to be fairly popular this year, from tiny succulents and cacti to bigger, more leafy plants like the Cheese Plant (Monstera) and even the humble spider plant is seeing some love again. Houseplants (especially succulents and cacti) can be really easy to care for, they just need some water and light and to be kept out of drafts – the are labels that come with them often give some really good care tips and are worth checking out before purchasing. Houseplants add something to a room’s atmosphere that you just can’t get through an ornament or object and I’m not really sure how to explain that feeling, but its a good feeling. They add interest to an area, bring nature indoors and help to keep the air in the room fresh as well. I like having houseplants in the kitchen, on the windowsill near the sink, in my living room, on book cases and coffee tables, and I like plants in the bathroom too.

Terrazo is making a comeback in all sorts of ways. Terrazo is a speckled composite material which was created around the 16th Century and was a type of palazzo flooring made of glass, marble and stone chips set into polished concrete. This kind of material can be found in pots, kitchen accessories and the print can even be found on notebooks, desk accessories and even on wallpaper. While it does remind me of flooring in public areas (like museums, train stations and toilets) I think it is an interesting pattern and is more eye-catching than the grey, industrial trend of the plain concrete look that came before it.

Metals and metallic touches are not going away fast, although there is a shift from bright, shiny gold, silver and rose gold towards a more muted brass tone. Little touches can be added to your existing interior by choosing simple objects like this floor lamp. Though, there are lots of ways of incorporating brass finishes to your home from light switch covers, crockery drainers, bookends, pots for holding pens/makeup brushes and many more.

Ombre is no longer an effect saved for hair, it’s now making its way into our homes and onto home furnishings and there are some really lovely pieces around to add a pop of colour. There are beautiful curtains, vases, cushions and candles that make adding this trend to your home really easy.

The geometric trend still seems to be on the rise, from coffee cups shaped geometrically, to tables with geometric legs, lamp stands and wallpapers, it seems that this trend won’t be going anywhere soon. I love that the geometric trend can be utilised over so many products both 2D and 3D and comes in so many colours so you can be sure to get something to match and update your decor style or go all out and refresh your style completely.

I don’t think we can ever escape pink, but this time around we are not seeing girly, princess or even Barbie pink. This year is all about the dusty, vintage pink which oozes a kind of glamour reminiscent of the 50’s and is very much a grown up, sophisticated colour. The pinks found in Michelle Keegans Home range fit this trend really well as the range is not just the perfect shade of vintage pink but it mixes in metallic prints, different types of fabrics and interesting finishings like tassels and stud details.

Textures are being reintroduced to our homes, this time through the addition of fabrics like velvet and suede, satin and wool. Go into any store that sells soft furnishings and you will find an array of different textiles on offer. I love adding interest with cushions and love the velvet and long faux fur ones available in Matalan. Cushions are a really easy and cheap way of testing out a trend before adding bigger pieces to the room.

I’ve been seeing a lot of textile wall art which seemed to start at some point last year with macrame wall hangings being sold in many high street stores. This year people are embracing different types of materials woven together to create tactile wall art that is interesting and can add warmth to the room. I love to browse etsy for this sort of thing as there are so many different styles and types of material used and you are guaranteed to have a one-off piece that no one else has.

Monochrome has never really been out of fashion, it’s always seemed to be there in the background but I think that this season we will be bringing it into our homes in a bigger way. Monochrome has always been seen to be very chic and a touch Parisian with black and white stripes featuring on so many different items. This season there will be an array of different items available in black and white stripe, polka dot and even different patterns and prints such as animal prints like dalmatian and zebra. I am loving this Habitat footstool in a monochrome pattern which also ties nicely with the texture trend too.

Tropical prints are another trend that started creeping in last year and is set to continue to grow this year. It seems that everywhere you look there is a tropical print on something! I really like Asda’s Palm Print duvet set which really hits the nail on the head with the tropical trend.

Walls are starting to make more of a statement now and there is a shift back towards wallpaper with big prints making bold statements this season, think floral, tropical, bright, big patterns and you won’t go far wrong.

Painted walls are still fashionable too though there is a move from greys to brighter colours like mustard yellow, brown/tan, Dulux Colour of the year is Spiced Honey and is a perfect choice but pair it with other colours like deep navy blue for an on-trend look. We see darker colours coming in to play and they are perfect to team with the brass and textile trend, just make sure any accessories you add are lighter and you will find that they make your accessories really stand out. Consider deep greens, denim blue such as Farrow and Ball – De Nimes, teal and even deep plum tones. On the other end of the spectrum are muted vintage colours, think dusty pinks, chocolate and sage greens and neutral colours like mushroom, nude pinks and light tan which would be perfect with chunky woolen accessories, vintage inspired prints, shabby chic furniture and hints of velvet.

Which interiors trends are you loving this season?

My New “Office” Space

3rd Feb 201912th Feb 2019 | Suzi Tench

Since starting this blog I have worked on my posts, sat on the floor in my living room, using the coffee table as my desk which has worked fairly well but hasn’t been ideal as I found myself getting distracted by things around me, the tv, noticing that something in the house needed doing…you name it and I was there! I am a master procrastinator. Plus the floor was cold and I needed coffee…lol!

I decided that I needed a proper space to work from, one that meant I didn’t constantly get distracted or have to tidy away when I had friends and family coming over. I had a space at the top of the stairs that was home to my Hoover and other junk and wasn’t being well utilised, and if I’m honest, was a bit of an eye sore which I really disliked as everyone who came to the house and used my toilet (I have one and its upstairs) could see, and I knew a desk would fit perfectly there! And so, my little “office” space was born!

I’m really happy with it as you can see from my super happy, smiley, blogger face! Lol! I feel like I am more productive tucked away up here, its warmer, quiet, there are fewer distractions, and silly as it may sound, I actually feel like I now have a purpose!

I still have a few tweaks to make and there are a couple of things I’d like to add to the space – one being a wall planner, antoer being a chalk board/whiteboard/cork board combination but these things can be added as and when, but for now this space is perfect!

What do you think of my “office” space? Where do you blog?

Candles and Alternative Lighting

22nd Jan 201912th Feb 2019 | Suzi Tench

It’s no surprise to tell you how much I love candles, there is something lovely about lighting a candle, whether scented or not, that can add so much to any day. I love how candles can create an ambience and atmosphere, create a cozy atmosphere on cold days, add a sense of occasion to any meal, fill the home with lovely scent, create an aura of intimacy, and add light to different areas.

But candles aren’t the only source of alternative lighting that is available for creating atmosphere and ambience and this blog post will show you some other forms of alternate lighting that I love.

First up is salt lamps. I know there has been a lot of hype over the past year or so regarding their health benefits but for me I just really like the light that they give off when on. I currently have 2 that I use regularly, one in my bedroom and one in my living room. The light they give off is a soft, calming almost fire like tone which creates a lovely warming, cozy atmosphere. It is a soft sort of light, really diffused and not overly bright, though I find I can read by the one in the bedroom which is perfect for me as having a light that is too bright can make me more awake than sleepy.

Next up is lamps. Lamps are really good at adding directional light where you need it most, whether it’s a desk lamp, table lamp or floor lamp, they are great for brightening up certain areas or using to highlight certain aspects that you want people to notice. I have several different types of lamp and use them for different things. My anglepoise lamp is perfect for when I am working on something – usually an art project or when I’m at my laptop of an evening and working on my blog. I like that you can direct the lamp in almost any way so that the light is in the right place for whatever you are working on. I have my side lamp (the dinosaur one) which is on a timer because it gets quite dark here of an afternoon and sometimes I don’t really notice how dark it is if I’ve been absorbed in doing something. I have the lamp behind my cuddle chair which I really only use for reading or if guests are round and its a bit dim in the room. It creates a really nice cozy atmosphere and makes the cuddle chair even more appealing and comfy looking than normal (if that’s possible!)

And lastly, novelty lights. All sorts of lights are in this category – fairy lights, word lights, a fish bubble lamp, this category is just about adding fun elements really rather than being proper light sources. However, these lights can create a good atmosphere regardless of how they are used.

I have fairy lights in my bedroom around the alcove that my bed sits in, I don’t really use them (they are battery operated and eat batteries like no tomorrow) but they are nice to have on once in a while and create a really lovely, magical vibe. I also have fairy lights in my garden, they are solar-powered and I use them to light the steps and handrail at night, there is something really lovely about sitting in the garden on a warm summers night and seeing the lights twinkling away, plus they are a safety feature too!

I have word lights, they spell the word JOY and, though they are supposed to be Christmas lights, I’m considering leaving them up for the year as I really like how sparkly and fun they are. They add light to my shelving unit which in turn brings people’s attention to it and the items on it, and being a black unit, sometimes people don’t notice the things I have on display there. Plus they always make me smile, even on the dullest day.

And lastly, the fish bubble lamp. I can remember these being a bit “trendy” back in the 90’s and always wanting one but never being able to have one so when I saw one on sale locally I decided to buy it. There is something really soothing about watching this lamp and I’m not sure if it’s the bubbles, watching the plastic fish bobbing up and down or the lights cycle through a spectrum of colour but it really does help me to calm down and relax!

What Is Minimalism?

8th Jan 201928th Mar 2023 | Suzi Tench

This is the second post in my “What Is….?” series. The first post I wrote was about Maximalism and you cna find that post here.

We hear so much about Minimalism these days, its uttered like a magic word in so many different places and has been seen as a cure for mental health ailments, consumerism, hoarding, environmental issues (such as the problem we have with plastics) and a host of other things, but what really is minimalism?

When we think of minimalism images of white rooms with sleek furniture spring to mind, rooms that are soul less and personality free, junk and clutter free, but I think that is probably the most unfair, stereotypical image to have.

Minimalism is living with fewer material things, and only living with what you really need.

It’s about simplifying your life, home, your wardrobe, your possessions.

It’s about only having what you need and doing away with excess things that can hinder your life.

It’s about choosing experiences over material goods.

It is about focusing on what really matters, the things of value in our lives and letting go of the things that hinder that sight.

Minimalism is not about doing without or having a bland home, life or style. Neither is it about being frugal or not having any fun. Rather Minimalism enhances the fun.

Minimalism is a blank canvas on which to place your values and your goals.

Minimalism is a simpler way of life.

How I Decorate My Table

24th Dec 201812th Feb 2019 | Suzi Tench

Decorating the table for Christmas dinner is one of the last things I do decorating wise and today on the blog I’m going to share with you how I decorate my table for the day.

I took these photos a few days ago, Sam came round for Christmas dinner as he will be spending the day with his family and I will be with mine. We decided to have our own Christmas dinner celebration before the day itself… our “Merry Not Christmas” celebration.

This is the view of my dining table from the living room.

As there were only 2 of us eating Christmas dinner I chose to seat us opposite each other, the big space between us would be utilised with dishes of veg and the condiments.

I chose to decorate the table with my glittered deer ornaments, a cute little Christmas tree from Asda, pompom fairy lights, tiny baubles and these lovely vintage glass mushroom and pine cone decorations that were given to me by my Mum.

I used old beer bottles as candle holders either side of the deer and Christmas tree.

The crockery and cutlery are from Asda and I really love how festive they look together.

For our dinner I cooked roast parsnips, roast potatoes, carrots, peas, mashed potato, sprouts, stuffing and a mediterranean nut roast which I served with gravy and mint sauce. For dessert we had toffee pecan roulade.

How are you decorating your table for Christmas?

Christmas – The Final Preparation

17th Dec 201812th Feb 2019 | Suzi Tench

I like to have a check list of things that I run through around a week before the big day – it gives me time to re-assess what needs doing, what has been done and anything that may have been overlooked.

Here’s how my list normally looks

Presents and Cards

All cards written and sent (the last day for UK mail to be sent in time for Christmas is 18/12/18)
Presents bought (list names)
Wrapped (cross through names)
Presents still to buy (List Names and items next to names)
Check if you need more paper, sellotape or tags

House

All decorations put up
Clean and mop floors
Hoover – especially under the tree (live or fake, both shed!)
Damp wipe surfaces and dust
Tidy all main rooms guests will use
Keep sink and kitchen sides clean and clear
Make sure there are crackers for the table
Check candles and candle holders if you are using candles as part of the table decoration
Check that you have a lighter or matches that work!
Create a Christmas song playlist – I use Spotify.

Food and Drink

Run through menu and write a list of items needed (regardless of whether you think you have them!)
Go through list and check items you have got and cross off what you already have
Check drink levels – wines, spirits, beer, pop, juice, non alcoholic drinks (buy more if needed)
Check party food (crisps, nuts, nibbles, cheese, crackers, chocolates and buy if needed)
Make sure you have basic food (salad, bread, butter, soup, beans etc, again buy if needed)

Other Shopping

Check toilet roll supply
Foil
Cling film
Kitchen Roll
Washing Up Liquid
Antibac spray
If you have a pet, make sure you have enough food for them
Stock up on batteries

If I think of any more then I will be sure to add them to this list!

What are your final preparation check list items?

My Christmas Decorations

7th Dec 201812th Feb 2019 | Suzi Tench

My style can be described as being bright, fun, non-traditionalist, hippy and boho, and my Christmas decorations really embrace my style. I’m not a huge fan of tinsel or traditional Christmas decorations, though I do add elements of the traditional into my decor.

I have Christmas trees, fairy lights and stags,but not in traditional colourways, I prefer white or black trees, my stag decorations are bright pink and glittery, instead of tinsel I choose bead ropes, marabou feathers and pom-pom trim. I have really bright baubles on my black tree and have chosen little dinosaurs to hang from my other, scroll down to see the photos that I have taken of my non-traditionalist, seasonal decor!

I didn’t want to hang my wreath on the front door because, well, its Wales and it rains! Not just that but I really didn’t want to get him all dirty either. I hung my wreath on the next available door – the door to my downstairs living room.

Joy lights which I have placed on the shelving unit opposite the door to my living room. This is the first thing people see when coming into my home.

My small tree that I have decorated with multi-colour fairy lights, pom-pom trim, marabou feather trim and tiny plastic dinosaurs!

Here’s a close up of the dinosaurs!

My second tree which is decorated with beaded ropes and baubles.

A close up of one of the decorations on my black Christmas tree – my initial!

Pink stars, green stars and purple stars also adorn the tree.

Skull and Crossbone upcycled tree which I’m thinking of having as my table piece for Christmas dinner.

My pink glitter stags, my mini Christmas Tree and its pom-pom decorations (which are also lights!) on my back windowsill.

Here’s a close up of one of the stags! I’m really liking the effect the rain on the window has!

And lastly, my santa card peg fairy light garland.

How have you decorated your house for christmas? Do you have a theme or colour palette that you use?

Project Make – Hallway Floor and Back Door Mat

27th Nov 201812th Feb 2019 | Suzi Tench

The hallway in my house had laminate wood flooring which hadn’t been laid very well, was a bit battered and never seemed to look clean which always irked me somewhat. I really wanted to cover it with something as I was unable to remove it due to being rented accommodation.

I looked everywhere for a hall runner rug that would fit the 4 meter 10cm length and that would also fit width ways. The hallway starts off wide at the door and becomes narrow toward the foot of the stairs which made it awkward to find something suitable that would work well. The cost of the cheapest rug that I found was around £80 and came in really mundane solid colours – brown, grey and a golden colour, and most of the others I found I didn’t really like the pattern or colour of in a higher price bracket. There was nothing that I truly loved that fitted my style, that is until I started thinking about other types of flooring.

My first thought was carpet tiles as they were pretty cheap to buy and easy to fit too but, being a hallway I thought that might be a bit impractical with dirt being bought in from outside. I then thought about vinyl flooring as it is hard-wearing and can be cleaned really easily but the patterns that were available were not really anything that I liked. I wanted something bright, fun, easy to install, easy to keep clean, and even easier to replace if I needed to for whatever reason, it also needed to fit my budget. It was when I started to rethink over getting carpet tiles that a thought occurred to me… I knew what would fit my specifications perfectly and would be a pretty unique choice for flooring…kids soft foam play area tiles!

This is the outcome! I ordered these from here. When they arrived I opened up the packets and went about sorting them into colours before starting on laying them down.

I prepped the floor by sweeping and hoovering to get up every last bit of dust and dirt, I didn’t want to cause any further damage to the laminate underneath so this was a vital step.

I then chose the colour scheme I wanted, choosing to place the coloured tiles together to create a stripe effect and placed the first tile at the foot of the stairs and worked my way back towards the door. I then removed the first tile I had laid and cut one of the edge flat, removing the “teeth” before placing it back down and shuffling the tiles up so the cut edge butted up against the rise of the step.

The next cut I made was the tile to go against the door. Once I’d got this row in I was able to work my way back up towards the stairs and remove the teeth from the side closest to the wall and move the tiles into place. I then added the next row which just needed the teeth removing from both ends.

The third row was the trickiest as I needed to cut down some of the tiles to fit the shape of the wall so that the tiles fitted snugly without any room for movement. To do this I took each tile, laid it over the tiles that were there and made marks where the teeth and tile met. The tricky part to this is to remember to make the marks on the opposite side of the tile to where you are measuring otherwise you will end up with the cut going in the wrong direction… so mark the left side of the tile to be cut with the right side of the tile that is already in place. Be sure to put the tile fully against the wall before making the mark too!

Once all the tiles were in place the only thing I needed to do was to finish the edge near the doorway, this was fairly simple as I was working with a straight edge so only needed to take a measurement and cut a straight line. I did have to go around a pipe but that too proved to be fairly easy to navigate… once Id cut the tile to the right size I laid it down and made a mark where the cuts needed to be to fit the tile around the pipe, then using scissors I made a small cut to each mark, then refit the tile to see if the cuts were deep enough to accommodate the pipe before removing the tile and making the last cut. I then re-fitted the tile.