Ooooh, and do you remember me getting all excited about that bookcase wallpaper in ‘Who needs books?’. Well, as I was invading the privacy of colour expert Joa Studholme’s beautiful Victorian home (see below), I caught a glimpse of it in the living room, along with the ‘faux’ lampshade designs. She told me to check out Deborahbowness.com for more quirky designs, including my favourites, ‘Wallpaper Frocks‘. They’re almost better than the real things … almost!
And if you want to know an inside tip? Joa says that the key is to forget lining them up neatly, the key to quirky is deschevelled!
During this week’s hunt for expert paint tips, I was also lucky enough to be invited for breakfast at a top colour expert’s home. I say invited … it was more like me turning up 10 minutes early at the the uber-glam Joa Studholme‘s Victorian family home, hot a sweaty from lugging around a video camera, and rudely interrupting their sausages and eggs!
Nonetheless, I was warmly welcomed inside to chat to Joa (who has worked for paint experts, Farrow & Ball, for years) and see how she’s used a splash of paint (and insider know-how) to make the most of her space.
Phew! I’ve missed roomenvy. This week, I’ve been so busy filming paint videos in time for the bank holiday weekend, I haven’t even had time to scour the web for ugly children’s rooms!! However, it’s been really exciting getting all the best tips on everything from how to play with colour to how to add depth using paint – straight from the ultra-stylish and elegant horses’ mouths!
I’ve been a busy bee today, quizzing experts from Dulux and Livingetc paint on how to transform even the most hideous of rooms with a lick of paint. The video’s not quite ready yet, but i’ll keep you posted!
In the meantime, check out this gallery from Livingetc for some great paint ideas … you’ll never look at a magnolia paint pot again!
Thanks for your comments on the ‘back to school’ home office idea! I followed Vivian’s advice and headed straight to Martha Stewart‘s website for some handy ways to use chalkboard paint. Then I got a bit carried away, trying to see what other cool chalkboard ideas I could find …
I really liked The Style Files‘ chalkboard ideas for kids bedrooms – what a fab way to get them to personalise their space (hopefully it’ll distract them from moving onto the walls!)
room envy - kids room
Plus, this next chalkboard idea from housetohome takes the term ‘shopping list’ to a whole new level (I’m not even sure there’s room for all my weekend’s errands though, groan!)
roomenvy - chalkboard 'things to do' list
I also love this organised hallway idea – each family member gets their own chalk memo board, for photos, reminders … or funny notes to each other. Keep it clean people!
roomenvy - super organised hallway
If you find any other great ideas be sure to let me know!
I’m in the mood for some lovely decorating inspiration today. I couldn’t sleep last night, and i’m only fifty per cent sure that it wasn’t to do with yesterday’s scary children’s room. Onto this lovely modern take on Provencal style decorating. I love how they’ve taken the sexy colours of the south of France – hot pinks, alluring teals and azure blue. Team with pretty patterned florals and vibrant ceramics, et Voila!
roomenvy - French country bedroom
Sooooo pretty! You can get this ditsy floral bed linen at Designer’s Guild.
roomenvy - Provencal patio
Shutterly fabulous – brightly-painted shutters are key to this look.
roomenvy - lustworthy living room
That luxurious rug looks as comfy to lie on as the oversized sofa!
Why am I so terrified of this children’s bedroom? I can’t decide. Maybe it’s the oversized WAGON cot that, I fear, would carry a child away to a far away land … especially with that eerie squirrel pulling on its reins. Perhaps it’s the wall made of alphabetised bricks that could topple down to reveal a gaping hole. Or perhaps i’m scared by the sheer amount of re-decorating this family would have to take on once the child reaches the age of five or six!
I’m no devout fashionista, but I like to tune into what’s going on (I work next to Marie Claire after all!). Now, i’m not about to cover myself in doileys, but as decor addict has noticed, this ‘new vintage‘ lace look is popping up everywhere at the moment – even in the bedroom!
I love the oversized lace pendant light and gothic-style canvas – they really transform what is otherwise quite a simple scheme.
What a great way to get the entire family organised. I came across this cool chalkboard calendar home office on HomeShoppingSpy and think it’s a great way to keep track of events (and deadlines …), as well as livening up a work space. Use different grey paint shades for the checkerboard, and then update it each month with chalk!
Check out this fab flooring idea. I often get so distracted by statement wallpapers and feature walls, that I almost forget how much difference your flooring can make. In this bathroom, fresh spring florals add interest to the vinyl flooring, and the walls are kept neutral so the floor can steal the show.
