uk
There are 23 entries for the tag
uk
Even if the mid 20th Century furniture design trend is showing fatigue I still still fond of the look. I guess it is an unconditional love. I love that style since I was seven. And my passion is nourished by the fact that the style does not fit my current house. In fact, I never live with the style.
Launched in the 1990's, the world of Orly Kiely is one where color, pattern, graphics, texture and rhythm continually reinvent themselves. London-based Orla Kiely continues to be popular amongst the women blogosphere.
Over the years, she has teamed with many brands to produce products with her unique designs. Orla Kiely for Heal's is an exclusive and distinctive range of furniture. The line reflects both the designer’s work and Heal's core values. The dining room furniture is crafted out of solid American black walnut.
Everything on that picture, including the doormat, are exclusive to the UK retailer Heal’s. Coincidence: This dining room furniture line is a favorite of Living etc, my all-time favorite magazine.
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
KITCHEN design
posted @ Monday, November 17, 2008 10:58 PM | Feedback (0)
This is one of the most popular home design trend, especially for family with young kids. And it is normal since it allows the cook(s) to be with everyone. I gathered on Living etc. successful open plan living rooms.
Living etc. is a great source of inspirations. And they acknowledged it by providing their online users to browse through their vast photo galleries.
A split level by a few steps adds elegance and interest to the open living design (top picture). This is the best view. And when you sit down in the living room for the digestive, your guests can sit down and not see the kitchen mess. I like it because they would not insist on doing the dishes.
There are many more ways to diminish the cluttered view of the kitchen when you have guests over. Here, homeowners used fringe walls and sliding doors.
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
KITCHEN design
posted @ Tuesday, November 04, 2008 11:22 PM | Feedback (2)
For their kitchen decor, it is a wise decision to opt for safe colors on the big items. You can always add punch through accent colors or colorful kitchenware and small appliances.
Circo Bright Dot Storage by Typhoon lets you grip it, label it, and store it. This food storage system covers 6 specific usages: tea, coffee, sugar, utensils, pasta and cookies.
After the mugs and notepads, fans of PANTONE will be able to bring to their kitchen the iconic colors. Typhoon teamed up with Pantone to create the Pantone ceramic storage jars. These canisters look great next to the Pantone Salt and Pepper Mills that I introduced earlier.
Categories:
COOKING tools
DINING
posted @ Sunday, November 02, 2008 9:22 PM | Feedback (0)
From what I have seen, the December issue is packed with Christmas decoration ideas for a stylish, modern home. Their Christmas issue is always a treat because they come up with fresh ideas.
Shopping guides for traditional and contemporary wreaths plus amazing baubles and star ornaments. Living etc likes to showcase super size accessories. This year, they found giant gold Christmas balls.
You do not need a mantel to hang Christmas socks for all the family. Learn to create a Christmas tree with Post-It leaves. This is a great option if you live in a small space. They also suggest punch of neon colors in several pages.
Living etc delivers modern British Christmas Glamour at its best. I will wait patiently for the arrival of the December 08 Living etc in a magazine stand near me.
+ Flip through the preview of December 08 Living etc - see the magazine for the photographer names - rights reserved pictures
Categories:
HOME + GARDEN
HOLIDAY decorations
posted @ Friday, October 31, 2008 11:25 AM | Feedback (0)
The November 2008 edition of Living etc is all about stylish use of bold colors. It shows houses that break the rules in a good way.
What I enjoy about Living etc is that the houses are realistic. These happy family houses look live in with flair.
The Fritz Hansen Egg chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958, looks amazing recovered in Trezzini fabric from Designers Guild. This is a chair I wish I could afford for my home office.
The dark blue hallway uses a trick of the trade to make a room look bigger. The door handles and wall switches are painted the same colors of the walls. The key is to achieve a seamless look.
If you are looking for a chaise longue, have a look at 11 daybeds from cool, tailored classics to ultramodern designs before buying anything.
CREDITS:
+ Color Supplement: photography by Hallie Burton, styling by Anna Last – rights reserved
+ House of Bamboo: photography by Tom Leighton, styling by Carl Braganza – rights reserved
+ Hallway: photography by Luke White, styling by Mary Weaver – rights reserved
Categories:
HOME decor
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, October 20, 2008 11:35 AM | Feedback (0)
I want to start the week peacefully. So this is a feel good post.
I discovered a couple weeks ago this fabulous field guide to the good stuff in London, UK. An Australian-born freelance journalist writes Wee Birdy. Her blog is filled with local food places and indie shops.
To give you an idea, I select three of my favorite from her recent posts.
+ Looking at this tower carrot cake from Rose Bakery, I see a similarity with my muffin presentation. So naturally, I love it!
+ The Bird botanical prints by Geninne Zlatlkis, made exclusively for Three Potato Four, complement the carrot cake view. The serenity of the Japanese Lantern is good for the mind and soul.
Categories:
HOME decor
CAKES
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Monday, October 06, 2008 12:49 PM | Feedback (1)
Here is a party decor for a murder mystery party or a Halloween party that will still be useful after the party.
To suggest a kitchen crime scene, install the Stuck on You Wall Hooks. London design team Thelermont Hupton created in 2006 these hooks to hang your kitchen linens.
Measuring the actual size of utensils, the hooks can take the shape of a knife, a rolling pin or a saucepan.
Each model is available in white, red or black. Since they are sold separately, you can display the scene the way you like. Stuck on You Wall Hooks are quirky and eye-catching.
SOURCING:
+ Stuck on You Wall Hooks at A+R - $32 USD per knife or rolling pin, $42 saucepan
Categories:
HOME decor
PARTY supplies
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Tuesday, September 30, 2008 1:00 AM | Feedback (1)
Food covers are a necessity in certain regions. Unfortunately, they often lack style. This is not the case of these gorgeous bamboo food covers.
Available in three colors from the UK retailer Graham and Green, you can harmonize the bamboo food covers with a set of 3 baskets.
Like you can see on the left picture, the look feels more sophisticated if you mix colors. Repeat some key elements and have fun creating your tabletop.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Food Cover at Graham and Green – price: £10.95
Buy online: Summer Bamboo Baskets at Graham and Green – price: £12.95 for the set of 3
Categories:
TABLEWARE
DINING
posted @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:15 AM | Feedback (0)
Buying the candles for the birthday cake is the last thing I typically do when I host a party. This means that I settled too many times for the usual tricolor 24-candle package. I would feel less rush if I stock in advance.
With these 5 candles from 3 brands, you will be ready the next time you celebrate the birthday of a loved one.
Fred
The first two comes from the whimsical Fred brand. The Birthday Candelabra is available in pink or white. I want it next year on my cake.
I finished a couple weeks ago watching Rome series on DVD. Therefore I feel an attachment to the Roman candles.
Worldwide Co.
Continuing with humor, Worldwide Co. proposes 10 Who's Counting? models for or age sensitive friends or just for some Birthday fun. You can let the cake speak and say Lost Count, Don’t Ask, 21 again, 29 again, Thirty-ish, Forty-ish, Young at Heart, You’re Old. The traditional I Love You and Happy Birthday complete this collection. The Who's Counting? Candles collection won the Gift of the Year award in 2007.
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
PARTY supplies
CAKES
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Tuesday, July 15, 2008 1:48 AM | Feedback (1)
The first picture shows that you do not need a lot of money to design a cool pool décor.
How To Reproduce That Look
The key to the top row pool décor is to create a cool mood through a clever use of lighting, cool flower pots and funky beach towels.
The summer night party pool features the Mesh Lounger from UK based retailer Next. In fact, the accessories used for this ad are all affordable. They all come from Next.
Decorative balls are popular in modern gardens. Next sells a set of 3 black polyterrazo balls. A 80cm high Black Garden Polyterrazzo Plinth/Planter complete this collection. Both must be stored indoors during the winter months.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
MODERN architecture
posted @ Sunday, July 13, 2008 1:56 AM | Feedback (0)
Real estate experts say that having a well-designed outdoor space will increase the value of your house. I read in the Property Advice of Living etc that it is particularly true in the spring and summer.
To help you create a stylish outdoor oasis, Living etc publishes a guide with top tips and advice. Learn more about space planning, adding atmosphere and how to get striking garden lighting.
It is great because we do not always know where to start. I would seek the help of professionals to redo my own outdoor space. I have friends who enjoy doing the manual labor; it relaxes them from their daily job. They still hired a garden designer to get a plan first. Planning and preparation is key. The following tells you where you should concentrate your efforts.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Sunday, July 06, 2008 7:05 AM | Feedback (0)
This UK glass and porcelain maker proposes a line of products that fits well into the casual modern entertaining lifestyle. By combining several pieces, you can easily reproduce the hip restaurant look at home.
What is great with LSA tableware is that you can serve cuisines from the World in their dishes. The key when buying an all white dinnerware is to put the emphasis on shapes. You need several interesting forms to add interests to your table.
I selected three collections: the Luna tableware, the Opal tableware and the Malo vases.
Luna incorporates bowls, serving platters and four sizes of plate. I really like the starter/dessert dish. Some suggest to harmonize Luna with the handmade Iona glassware series.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TABLEWARE
DINING
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, July 02, 2008 1:08 PM | Feedback (1)
While browsing on Tastespotting this morning, I spotted this adorable truck cake. I am even more impressed since this lorry cake is made by a Northern Irish foodie named Sarah. Her cakes stand out by the attention to details.
I explored her blog to know more. Stuff Yer Bake is not only about cakes. She also publishes recipes of meal she cooked on an everyday basis.
Sarah baked and decorated these cakes at the request of co-workers. I feel sad she lived on the other side of the Atlantic. Do you know any non-professional in Montreal (or elsewhere) who is as talented?
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Cakes Galores [Stuff Yer Bake]
Learn more:Pirate Birthday [Stuff Yer Bake]
Recipe:Crab Ravioli [Stuff Yer Bake]
Categories:
CAKES
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Feedback (3)
Dressing up your room with the right wallpapers adds sophistication to a dining room or living room. I typically prefer to put wallpaper on a single wall or two walls, depending on the room configuration.
British brands have a long history of making great patterns. Have a look at these patterns from Graham & Brown. This is a brand that teamed up with several designers to bring you striking designs.
A Look at My Favorites
Sophia from the Monsoon collection reinterprets Art Nouveau damask. You will be surprised how sophisticated a fuchsia wall can be.
No need to install wall paneling with Phantom from the Umbra collection. In case you did not already know, the uber stylish Canadian brand Umbra teamed up with Graham & Brown to produce its first ever wallpaper collection. The frame illustrations of Huddle pattern can bring something different to a room.
Categories:
HOME decor
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, May 02, 2008 2:35 PM | Feedback (0)
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I adore the UK store Habitat. For summer 2008, Habitat stylists did not fail to impress me.
Once again, Habitat stimulates our imagination for casual entertaining. Looking at Habitat setting teaches how to create a unique experience. I enjoy especially their kid theme outdoor rooms.
Kid Party Theme
The camping trip in the backyard is an archetypal kid party theme. You With outstanding decorations, your outdoor party will stand apart. Use great props to create the theatrical illusion. Plan several activities to keep the kids occupied all night long.
The GERONIMO tents are simply adorable. I cannot imagine one kid that would not be thrilled to have a sleep over in these cute tents. Another must have for a kid party is OLI, a fresh olive green pigment lacquered eucalyptus kid picnic table.
Categories:
KIDS party
KIDS + BABY
OUTDOOR parties
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Feedback (1)
After your own perfume craze of a few years ago, it appears that a new fashion is slowly emerging. This time, you get your own tea blend. If you are looking for a lavish birthday gift without breaking the bank, this is it. Different tea shops are offering this service to their customers.
Blends for Friends
The ultimate experience I found so far is from a UK master tea taster named Alex Probyn, the founder of Blends for Friends. Based on the personal facts and the persona of your friend, a master tea taster will create a blended tea just for your friend.
The initial order costs £27 for 125 grams of loose leaf tea. Most of the fee will pay for the personalization process, the descriptive sticker and the decorative tin box. The price will reduce to £7 when you reorder a blend. What is also making the gift special is the quirky blend sticker. The blend recipe descriptor makes reference to the personality traits of the recipient.
Categories:
ALL occasions
TRENDS
GIFT IDEAS
posted @ Wednesday, April 09, 2008 1:33 AM | Feedback (2)
This morning, I received my shipping confirmation for the latest book by Jamie Oliver. I cannot wait. I am a huge fan of the guy. When Jamie at Home will hit my cooking library shelf, my count will be 6 out 8 of his books.
Some recipes are in several books but it is fun because you can see how that recipe evolved and refined your own version. My husband and I (we do team work) made the best risotto. We use recipes from two books; handy since the pages of recipe are always visible. We take the better of each one.
My favorite Jamie Oliver’s recipes
I am giving you the recipes that I am cooking over and over, book by book.
The Naked Chef
The Mushroom Risotto with Garlic, Thyme and Parsley is my ultimate risotto. We often make this on a Friday or Saturday night so we can eat risotto cakes for breakfast the next morning. So do not be afraid to make plenty because a risotto cake is divine. The recipe is simply the same as making a patty of hash browns except that the potatoes are replaced by the risotto. I fried mine in olive oil. Check out his basic risotto recipe.
Categories:
DINING
REVIEWS
COOKBOOKS
posted @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Feedback (4)
These pictures from Habitat illustrate well the trends I saw at the Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto 2008 last month. It also demonstrates that a little color goes a long way.
Deep Dark Luxury
The purples, chocolate browns, deep blues and khaki greens of 2008 are colors that you do not have to be afraid to commit. Darker hues feel luxurious. In fact, most of the luxury market favors the darker tones right now.
You will see purples mixed yellow greens, gold and lilac in 2008. Whenever you select a color for your home, choose the tint in function of the type of room, the time of the day where you use it and the lighting. For example, the purples of the casual outdoor room are of medium values because they sit outside.
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR living
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, March 08, 2008 1:52 PM | Feedback (3)
What I am talking about today is how the presence of others colors can modify the perception of a color? It is an important element when you are designing a room or creating a tablescape.
I select kitchen and dining pictures from the latest catalogue of Habitat. They illustrate current trends in decorations.
You could easily spot how the same yellow accessories create a different mood whether they are placed in a crisp white room, next to vibrant colors and with black wood furniture.
The Peake is the latest picnicware collection by Habitat. Nigel Peake designed a collection with distinctive urban-inspired illustrations and bold colors. I love it!
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
TRENDS
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, March 07, 2008 2:46 PM | Feedback (0)
What do you do once you already hosted all the tasting parties that you can think of? If you live in the UK, you can hire the well-know whisky sommelier Jamie Forbes for a night of whisky tasting and tutorial.
What it is?
The hip brand Monkey Shoulder targets customers who would not typically drink whisky. Their niche is the cool, liberal mind crowd. They recently launched their latest marketing tool in the form of an exclusive party event.
Travelling Whisky Rooms feature a chic burnt oak mobile bar created by the British cabinet maker Paul Kelley. A minimalist design that becomes more beautiful once opened. Your master of ceremony is a well-known whisky sommelier in London named Jamie Forbes.
Travelling Whisky Rooms deliver to discerning people a unique party experience in the comfort of their home. You and up to 14 of your guests can taste 5 different whiskies from Scotland. The night cumulates with a few whisky based cocktails. And if you do not like whisky,
Categories:
EVERYDAY entertaining
FOOD + drinks
ENTERTAINING
DINING
posted @ Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:32 AM | Feedback (0)
Looking at my statistics lately, I noticed that many people are interested by my picture of Jamie Oliver’s wood-fired oven.
What is the appeal?
When I reviewed the Jamie At Home TV show, I put that picture of Jamie Oliver’s behind his fabulous outdoor pizza oven because it summarized what his show is all about.
Every time I watched Jamie Oliver on his Italy odyssey or on Jamie At Home used a wood-fired oven, I was secretly dreaming for extra space so I can install one in my backyard or my kitchen. It is about bringing the authentic cooking taste and feeling.
It has been a while since I made my own pizza. I used to bake my own thin crust pizza from scratch twice a month. For casual entertaining, hosting a Making Your Own Pizza party is always a hit. So imagine if you own a wood burning oven.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
COOKING tools
OUTDOOR living
DINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Saturday, January 26, 2008 3:11 PM
Made from English fine bone china, these egg shape candle holders are lovely and modern. They are sold in pair, one medium and one large egg, nicely packaged in a recycled board gift box.
UK artist Michelle Mason designed her latest creations so you can watch the wax drip like egg yolk. It is a fact that the British people like to eat soft-boiled eggs on the morning.
I like the romantic idea but not the wax stain on my tablecloth. If you are like me, you got two choices:
- Buy no dripping candles but you lose the concept
- Rest the pair of egg candle holders on a tray or a wood board
I prefer the second option.
Decorating your home at Easter or for a brunch
Better yet, a single tulip or a branch fits into the hole. So get a few pairs. Mix and match candles, empty eggs and plants to create a dramatic effect in your home.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
HOLIDAY entertaining
ENTERTAINING
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, January 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Feedback (6)
This romantic scene could sell a lot as postcard. How can someone not feel in heaven out there, especially if you eat an incredible meal?
Do not despair if you do not have a country house because it may be possible to reproduce this look in the city or the suburbs if you happen to live in the right backdrop.
How to reproduce this look
Under the biggest tree of your yard, hang a couple of outdoor lantern chains. Put enough lanterns to create a magical atmosphere.
Since Habitat is not available in North America, what you need to reproduce this look is dining furniture in metal with clean lines. Villa designed by Bethan Gray for Habitat is a mosaic and metal round table. The mosaic is made with copper colored glazed ceramic tiles. A modern style aluminum table top can also create interesting light effects.
Categories:
OUTDOOR living
HOME + GARDEN
posted @ Friday, June 08, 2007 5:06 PM | Feedback (2)