Three's A Crowd Pleaser /// Cable Knit

When the temperature dips it's only natural to start layering up your soft furnishings as well as your wardrobe. A mix of textures always works well to cozy up a space and I've seen loads of cable knit items on the market; from cushions and blankets to rugs and even lighting. It's everywhere!

I'd layer it up with a reindeer skin and maybe even a little mohair for ultimate winter warmth.

1. sweater 2 lampshade 3 cushion cover 

If you're keen, there are some great DIY cable knit tutorials via 79 ideas, if you happen to have an old Arran jumper at the back of the closet.

Three's a Crowd-Pleaser /// All that Glitters...

1 Pedro Garcia moccasins 2 sequin cushion cover 3 Bugle Beads fabric backed vinyl wall covering

OYOY

New Danish design company, OYOY, has launched and is flaunting their beautiful Autumn/Winter 2012 catalogue here.

 ...so tempted to paint my floors...

A little bit of sunshine...

So, that's it. It's the end of August and we didn't get a massive amount of sunshine (nor did I get much blogging done, sorry!). If you follow me on Instagram (@yeahokbye) you'll know that I unabashedly wear my Havaianas in the rain (it's a skill) and you will learn that I abstain from socks till well into the autumnal months. A stranger once commented on my stubborn footwear ways in late October.
So, in the spirit of ignoring the chill, already in the air, I've compiled a little collection of yellow brights to add a ray or two to your home (and handbag collection - I can't help myself).
A little splash of colour on a neutral palette can lift an entire room. From neon to mustard, if any colour can do it, yellow can!

Image by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer Pattern fabric: Jurmo, Marimekko
1 Nanet cushion cover 2 Sunshine Yellow Omaggio Vase 3 Colour Rings Bowl 4 Mr. Bright Chair 5 Multi Weave Betty clutch 6 Twiggy floor lamp

La Maison D'Anna G.

It's time to polish up on your French as, Paris based, Scandinavian design lover, Anna, of the gorgeous blog 'La Maison D'Anna G', has opened an online shop with the same name. Stocked to the hilt with interior goodies from the likes of Hay, By Nord and Afroart, along with pieces by some awesome designers, the shop has a strong Scandinavian influence, as does Anna, having been born in Sweden. It's been difficult to choose but here are some of my favourite bits and pieces available....

Oh, AND she ships worldwide...so get your Euros out...!

clockwise from top left : fold unfold multicolour tablecloth | valentina multicolour cushion | 7 piece desktop boxes | black pipe wall lamp |  square oak tray | typography poster 'D' | dark oak bird | twinkle little bat box

On the Spot

It's officially summer, so why not add a bright spot of colour to your life...

1. Summer Salad Bowl | 2. Mini Mello Bamboo Stool | 3. Bloomsbury rug | 4. PS 2012 cushion | 5. Spotty washi Tape | 6. Polka Dot Circular Wooden Tray | 7. Villervalla smoothie dots summersuit

Neon Shapes...

Combining 2 current trends and bringing you brighter than bright triangles...

Farmhouse Chair | Riley shoulder bag | Lileth Enamel Bangle | Playnation Cushion | Spear Vase | Trio Print | Tutti Frutti Mug

Simple White...

I know the current trend in the interior world is to go dark, and I love it but...I still can't resist a whiter than white space. This Antwerp house belongs to Melanie Ireland, the creator of Simplekids; a very cool Belgian kid's clothing company. The interior was featured in the equally cool French magazine (for kids!!), Milk.
Black on white in the kitchen, that pendant over the table, magazines filling the fireplace and those cushions, are all officially on my wishlist.

source 

Super Stylin'

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that Interior companies' catalogues are rivalling the top interior magazines in terms of bright, fresh photography and inspirational styling? I'm loving these shots in the Spring/Summer 2012 catalogue from Denmark's Ferm Living. They've also posted 'behind the scenes' shots on their blog. Very pretty.
P.S. I want everything! The colours and graphics are awesome. It's all about the triangle!

from Ferm LIVING

Black & White

This monochrome combination is a classic. Here are a few bits and pieces to add to that Santa memo.  Unless, of course, you've been bad this year...

1. Marimekko for Converse 2. Lee Broom's stag to be auctioned for homeless charity Centrepoint 3. 'I Love The Shit Out Of You' print 4. La Sardinia camera Domino 5. Strap mirror 6. Herribone cushion 7. Arne Jacobsen cups 8. Tuxedo onesie 9. Anna Black carpet

Me and Mrs Jones

Another gem I came across at the Homes & Interiors Scotland Exhibition last Friday was Glasgow based, Niki Jones. These kantha quilts are made from the most beautiful vintage saris. These photographs don't even do them justice...in the flesh the colours are vibrant and the cotton super soft and lightweight yet snug. The only reason I don't own one yet is because I'd have to decide which to go for and my Libra brain can't take the pressure...

 

...the cushions and rugs are pretty special too.

see the Autumn/Winter 2011 catalogue here

Aikwood Tower

Whilst I was off growing a baby, I was also working on a very exciting refurb project in the Scottish Borders. Aikwood is a 16th century tower about 40 miles south of Edinburgh, deep in the beautiful Ettrick Valley. With many an outdoor pursuit on its doorstep, my client felt the 5 bedroom tower was in the perfect location to be transformed into an luxurious exclusive-use holiday let and wedding venue. His parents had lovingly restored the tower from a ruin into their home in the late 80's and were now ready to to pass it on to the next generation.
We had three months to turn it around so it was intense and stressful but pretty exciting and everyone was more than happy with the result. I'm pretty proud of it, even if I do say so myself...

We sourced local tweed from Andrew Elliot and Hinnigan (who also made the gorgeous cushions and throws) and scoured antique markets from London to Glasgow, and everywhere in between, to source key feature pieces, furniture and lamps that sit comfortably next to the brand new bespoke items. After many doubts, lots of persiverence, a little convincing, plenty of elbow grease, not to mention the searching, sourcing and shopping, it all came together in the end. What do you think?
P.S. It looks even better in the flesh...so go ahead and book a long weekend of luxury...
Photography by Douglas Robertson

Where Chocolate gets Creative

Spanish textile designer, blogger and fellow Mydeco* award nominee, Margarita Lorenzo's London home has been featured in Spanish Elle Deco. A, small but perfectly styled apartment; she obviously keeps the objects that inspire her close at hand...there are some gorgeous details and beautiful furniture. I love the art work hanging over the table.Head to Chocolate Creative for a look at some of Margarita's designs...these vintage paper doll cushions are soooo cute...especially the little detail on the back!

*If you've already voted for me you can still vote for Chocolate Creative as it's in a different category!