Home Stylin'

Check out this great interior styled by Emily Henderson. I love the easy mix of white walls with richer darker corners and the bright pops of colour. This, to me, is a great 'home', bursting with the family's personality and character. The gallery walls, layered textures and glass pendants give it such a relaxed, welcoming feel. That's a great way to hang kid's pictures too!

Photography by Bethany Duart

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

Scottish Ceramics and the Festival

So far this festival, I haven't been able to soak up much in the way of festivities. One year, I promise I'm gonna post some great tips and must-sees but so far this year, I've done some wondering, seen one incredible play and taken my aunt to see this pottery. Hopefully we'll be able to get some comedy in by the end of the month...
From my limited festivities, my recommendation is the tiny studio and gallery in my part of Edinburgh, Adam Pottery. Its a must for any ceramic lover all year round with traditional and contemporary Scottish ceramicists, working on their collections in the studios on site. This festival, the space is an official Edinburgh Fringe venue showing and selling some beautiful pieces. My absolute favourite work there is by Lara Scobie. The colours, textures and shapes got me a little excited and let's just say; that amazing tall stripy jug; it's no longer available...if you know what I mean...

images are from Lara's facebook page 

Sacked

I want all of these awesome storage sacks! Definitely one for all the baby's toys but I'm thinking bathroom storage too...and maybe even for the kitchen...and the bedroom...

available from here 

The Zoo

I thought I'd had my fill of all things safari after visiting Edinburgh Zoo (for the first time) a couple of weeks ago, but by the looks of theses photographs, it appears I'm still drawn to interiors with skins, patterns and textures inspired by the kingdom of animals. I went with quite a few members of my family, some of which were over from Australia, to see the famous pandas. As exciting as the pandas were, my highlight were those of another monochromatic nature.........As the heavy rain of the Scottish summer drenched us, my mum and I, separated from the group and pushed a sleeping Sebastian, in his plastic covered pushchair, to the top of a ridiculously steep incline, to see the zebras. There were five of them, all sheltering from the rain, standing under the viewing platform. They were beautiful...perfect. And so close. It was the end of the day and the zoo keepers started calling them up to their shed. The zebras ignored them for a while but after a couple of whistles, they flicked their stripey, funnel-like ears and trotted up the field like obedient dogs. Magnificent.
The point of my rambling? Inspiration from nature in design is, as always, excellent. I love the giraffe inspired rug in this beautiful, masculine interior. 

Much to my disappointment, there are no giraffes at Edinburgh Zoo (Sebastian had a toy giraffe with him on the day to compensate), if there were, they may have stolen the show but for now, the zebras reign...in the rain. 
P.S. The shiny, wet hippos (mum, dad and baby) grazing, came in at a close second place.

Interior photographs by the super talented Phillip K. Erickson. Zebra photograph by me on my iPhone 4, then edited with Instagram.

Beady Beauties

Check out this jewellery by Alyson Fox, an Austin, Texas-based maker, sculptor, designer, photographer, artist... it seems there's very little she can't do. My favourite is the cobalt blue geometry pendant...I never get bored of that colour! Oh, and the awesome pattern is an excerpt from a print of hers which is sold out everywhere...obviously. 

available here

Pattern on pattern on pattern...

...well, what else would you expect from Margherita Missoni's Milanese home?

photography by Mark C. O'Flaherty

John Lewis Catalogue Spring/Summer 2012

Just wanted to show you some little snippets that I like from the John Lewis Spring/Summer 2012 catalogue. Zesty colours, statement pieces of furniture and patterned fabrics; geometric, floral, stripes, you name it... Those glass pendants are stunning but I love, love, love, that little oak dining table. It's a shame they're 'never knowingly undersold' as I'd love to get it for less than £499...!

images scanned from John Lewis Spring Summer 12 by me

Love from Lebanon

Beirut design company, Bokja is made up of Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri. A passion for classic furniture and textiles from countries along The Silk Road results in these beauties! Although the company has existed since 2000,  I first came across them in Merci, on our trip to Paris last year. I'm a sucker for a modern classic but in these patterned woven fabrics?...yes please!

images are from here and here