The Big Move

We all know the dilemma – you move into a new house and you find it’s not as magical as you’d hoped. The thing is though – the house hasn’t lost any magic – it’s just lost all those lovely details that made it look more homely when someone else was living there!

All it takes to get the magic back and to make it feel like your own forever home, is to start getting your own beloved possessions into place as soon as you can. Moving home is hard enough without worrying about settling in.

For me a home is all about comforts and the little things that make me remember, this is my space and it’s my domain! This is made up of lots of different details, areas and rooms – so I’ll try and go through them all here. After all, we don’t want to feel like we’re living in someone else’s house!

{Unpack}

This is my number one rule. Unpacking needs to take priority and you need to get it done within the first couple of weeks. Having boxes around the house isn’t going to make you feel at home – it’s going to make you feel like you’re on a building site – so get everything sorted as soon as you can. Even if you can get everything out and organised within this time frame – at least but the boxes out of sight. 

via The Times

{Display}

I don’t know about you, but I can never feel at home in a place unless I have some of my own photography and memories surrounding me. Surrounding yourself with familiar faces, memories and fond moments is the easiest (and quickest way) for you to stop feeling like you’re in someone else’s house! It doesn’t have to just be framing either – you can get creative. Display photographs in an interesting and intriguing way – without breaking the bank.

via Velvet Palette

via Tatertots and Jello

via BHG

via i Heart Faces

{Texture}

Quite often it’s the textures we choose for a room make it liveable. For your new home, don’t be afraid to experiment with new textures. A big, cosy knitted blanket and cushions on the sofa, crisp bedding and beautiful fabrics for window dressings will add that extra bit of luxury. Once we feel physically comfortable in a place, you’ll notice yourself mentally adjusting to it too. Plus, after moving house and the stress that comes with it – you deserve some silk sheets!

via Ali Express

via The White Company

via Pinterest

{Colour}

Lots of people move into a new house and their initial reaction is to keep the walls white – because it’ll have more selling value. But paint is paint and can always be re-done if ever you do choose to sell in the future. Don’t waste time on white walls if it makes the house feel cold and sterile – instead opt for a colour that makes you happy, or warm or comfortable. If you don’t want to take the full leap – go for a feature wall and only paint the one in colour. You’d be surprised how much we associate colours with moods, and if you want to positively associate your new house with positive feeling, a great way is to use colours you love. I grew up in a house with a lime green kitchen (my mother’s favourite colour) and now whenever I see a shade similar I can’t help but smile as it brings back all those lovely memories.

via Amberth

via Ikea Family Live

via Wallpaper Review

{Live}

It can be difficult when you’re in a new house (that you’ve spent a lot of money on) not to clean up the slight mess as soon as it happens. But this isn’t how a home should be. A bit of mess can actually make you feel more at home – the ‘lived in’ look is underrated!

via A&B Stories

WINNING!

It's competition time people!! We've had some very exciting collaborations over the past few weeks - one of which being with Occa Home. We've teamed up to bring you - our wonderful supporters, fantastic followers and lovely likers - some fantastic interior accessories to fill you home with!

It all kicked off this morning on our Facebook page - and the prize?..I hear you cry, a goooorgeous Orange Stripe Bretagne cushion by the luuurvly Scandinavian brand Moltex. Their mission is to make their homes comfortable, inspiring, colourful and - a little softer - which we think they do pretty well... Fancy starting your collection? Or perhaps you're a fan already and want to add to it?... Click on the cushion below and you'll be transported directly into competition heaven!...

Take a little peek at their stunning collection...we LOVE their 'Island Life' nautical brights!

 

WOW....that's I can say...

Taking The Biscuit....

Us Brit’s are known for our cuppa’s and our brew’s. I love nothing more than taking ten minutes out of my day to happily sip on a hot cup of tea showcased with a perfect dunking biccie! Dundee-born cushion designer and lover of all things tea and biscuit-related Nikki McWilliams has gone one step further in creating her very own biscuit inspired products.

Selling in Selfridges, featuring in Vogue, there’s nothing her tasty cushions can’t do! 

I catch up with Nikki and we talk pregnancy cravings, a future in clothing design and how her penchant for sewing started. Now, where did I put my custard creams?...

At which point in your life did you get into sewing and what made you want to develop this interest?

I can't remember when I started sewing- but I think it was as soon as I was old enough to be trusted with a needle and thread! My mum is a super talented seamstress and used to run her own business making baby-wear so I'd see her make things all the time and wanted to join in. I liked helping!

It is clear to see from your designs that you love British culture. What do you love most about it?

For me it's all about familiarity and nostalgia.  Certain things- foods, toys, brands and smells all trigger memories for us so it's easy to be transported back to simpler times!  Tea, and the ritual of drinking cups of tea has been a constant symbol of calm in my life. This is why I feel most comfortable when I'm using it as inspiration!

Why biscuits?

I love them.  My mum told me that when she was pregnant with me, she'd crave an entire packet of Chocolate Digestives everyday.  I think I must have loved biscuits before I even knew what they were! 

How would you describe your style in three words?

Bright, fun and familiar. 

Where and how do you find your inspiration?

Almost anywhere! Inspiration can come (and go!) in a flash so I always try to carry a sketchbook to doodle down ideas when they come!

Give us a day in the life of Nikki McWilliams...

Every now and again I write A Day In The Life post over at my blog - my last post was here and the rest are here. These posts vary quite a bit but so does my daily routine!

You make each cushion yourself, I imagine they take time, how long do you spend on each one?

Each cushion involves different amounts of work, so it can vary!  We've been super busy this year- and I'm lucky enough to have the help of a small team. We take the time to make sure every cushion's perfect before it goes off to its new home! 

You sell iPhone cases, cushions, prints and brooches...What other products would you like to make in the future?

We trialled some T-shirts earlier this year and they got a great response...I'd love to make clothes one day! 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Hopefully making my cushions every day, being happy, and living with cats. 

QUICKFIRE!

Your favourite food?

All Greek food is delicious. 

Place to go to unwind?

Anywhere hot and sunny! 

Pick one celebrity you would most like to meet?

Ooh, that's a tough one! Do Charles and Ray Eames count as celebrities?