Roomenvy has had a refresh!

The roomenvy team have exciting news – we’ve had a refresh and moved to a new home online. Check out our new look and let us know what you think…

Warm welcome

It’s a space I never get tired of looking at. Mainly, I think, because of the initial impression it gives you – it’s important to get it just right. What am I talking about? Hallways, of course!

Now, you may already have your hall nicely decorated, but don’t let that stop you – no one really needs a reason to redecorate, sometimes we do so simply because we can. After all, there’s nothing more fun for an interiors enthusiast than planning the next scheme.

Here’s a few beautiful ideas to whet your appetite.

Carpet in a hallway just looks so inviting and this Natural Look design by Carpetright is in a practical grey shade.

 

 

If you’re lucky enough to have a hallway of this size, why not go all out with the glamour? Statement furniture and an elegant glass pendant certainly create a room to be proud of.

This stair runner cosies up a plain painted staircase and is bang on trend for this year’s autumn/winter season.

Get creative and add a splash of colour by painting your banisters or banustrades. I love this quirky hall, and the green spindles look stunning when set against crisp white.

Laurie

We’re loving grey

What used to be a neither here-nor-there colour, grey has taken off and become very much the new black for 2012. It works particularly well, I think, in the kitchen, where it can be teamed with paler shades for a more neutral scheme, black for an air of sophistication, or something more vibrant, such as lime or red, to liven it up.

This new Argento kitchen from Underwood has been hand-painted in shades ranging from gunmetal to soft grey, with Cosmic Black granite worktops and a solid walnut table and bench seating. Beautiful.

Laurie

 

Going for gold

Trend predictors can foretell our looks, tastes and spending habits (or so they tell us) but every now and then unpredictable things happen to change their best-laid plans. In the early ’60s The Beatles suddenly appeared and music changed forever. In the ’70s Dallas became a TV hit overnight so everyone (except me) suddenly sported power-dressing shoulder pads. In the same era, princess Di came onto the scene and the world (and his wife) went for that flicky-under hairstyle fad. Right now we’re winning a stackful of golds so I hardly need to point out what the next colour trend in interiors will be. But don’t take this as gospel…

Seán O

The midas touch…

 

Winning combination

I’m hoping that you’re not too bored with the Olympics as I couldn’t resist showing you this patriotic living room. Pretty yet punk-inspired – a combination that shouldn’t work, yet it does. There are so many ways to display the Union Jack, from cushions and artwork to rugs and wallpaper, but this wallhanging does the job perfectly. Inspiring.

Laurie

Sporting the look

After this weekend’s Olympic triumphs (Mo – Go!  Murray – Hooray!  Jess – Bless!  Ainsley – well, you get the drift), I simply had to go looking for an image with a sporting theme. What I found didn’t exactly fit the bill but I still love it. It’s more of a field sport, hunting kind of theme, tho’ I’m not sure it’s typically British, but don’t you still love the outdoor feel? If by any chance you don’t, just nip on this link to dining rooms with winning looks.

Seán O

For that outdoor-indoor feel…

Sheds and summer houses

The need for a refuge – somewhere a man can firtle around on his own – is a basic instinct (no, not that kind of basic instinct). So when I see images of sheds, summer houses (like the one in this West Sussex home), even old garages, I feel a little flutter. I haven’t got my own refuge at the moment, but I dream of what I’d do if I had. A recording studio to create that hit single that never was. A workshop to mend those bikes that were left to rust in the rain. Somewhere to do a bit of potting, perhaps? Hmm, let’s forget that last one.  So women, when you’re dreaming of that new kitchen extension, spare a thought for ‘im indoors and what he’d like. Plus think of all the benefits of not having a man around the house…

Seán O

The great escape…

 

Blissful bathing

 

What do I like about this bathroom? Firstly, the wallpaper. Not hugely practical maybe, but there’s nothing to say it can’t be used as long as you have a good extractor and don’t get it wet.

Secondly, the glossy black tiles on the bath panel – they appear almost a combination of brick and large mock-croc.

Thirdly the elegant two-drawer unit that would normally be more at home in a bedroom, yet works wonderfully with a glass candelabra placed on top for that extra bit of luxury.

Who says bathrooms have to be boring?

Laurie

Fun with florals

Here at 25 Beautiful Homes we’ve always loved a pretty floral print, and whether it’s rain or shine, they never fail to put a smile on our faces. From delicate to bold, graphic to vintage, floral prints help create a warm feel within the home…

 

We love this feminine boudoir which uses shades of soft pink and cream, with a delicate floral design.

 

 Vintage-style florals are used within this dining area on the cushions, tablecloth and within the shelving unit. They’re even carried through to the crockery, with some pretty blooms as a centrepiece on the table.

 

 

 A bright-coloured floral wallpaper has been used to create a feature wall in this sitting room, with a variety of pretty cushions and equally bright curtains. Bold, yet beautiful.

Chayla 

Summer paradise

Finally the sun has made an appearance, so we thought what better way to celebrate than to show you some fabulous ways of combining your indoor and outdoor areas. Make the most of the summer by incorporating big expanses of glass that will let the light pour in – you’ll feel as though you’re outside whist carrying out daily chores, too…

We love the way this seasonal bright blue shade has been used both inside and out – on cushions, wallpaper and a rug – linking both areas together.

Here, folding doors open wide to let the sunshine in, with a wooden dining table echoing the timber door frames.

In this kitchen, floor-to-ceiling glass provides a picture-perfect view of the exterior.

Fling open your doors to the garden and make the outside an extension of your home.

Chayla