by the fireside

Living in a new build or modern home can sometimes be tricky when it comes to furnishing and decorating. Often the rooms can lack features and focal points. Older buildings offer beautiful original and historical features, which add character and charm. Don't get us wrong we love our houses, they are modern, fresh and bright! However, it can be hard to decorate or arrange a room when there is nothing to act as a centre piece! If this is the case then why not treat this as a blank canvas and an opportunity to make your mark and create a space that's right for you. 

A fireplace can be an easy and simple way to add focus within a room as well as creating a much more cosy atmosphere. There are many free standing electric fires to choose from in varying sizes (compact ones are available if you have a small room) as well as various different styles. These are easy to assemble and install as they don't require a chimney and many come already assembled! Just unpack, plug it in and wait for the room to get toasty!

As Christmas approaches we have spotted various images on Pinterest and in magazines of magical, dreamy rooms with roaring fireplaces adorned with stockings and beautiful garlands! (you always want what you don't have) But whatever shape or style room you have, a fire place can be included to create the perfect homely living room. And yes we know these may not be the traditional roaring open fires with logs that we all wish we had but this a good compromise, that is quick and easy to do yourself!

Smeg fire John Lewis £444 / White compact fire Argos £149.99 / 

Black traditional style fire Homebase £399 / Walnut shelf fire Fireplace world £499 /

Stove and surround Very £499 / Cube shelf fire Next £399

Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

put the kettle on

Now we are heading towards the colder months and the winter season, hot drinks for us become a must and necessity. The perfect way to warm up! Cups of hot tea, coffee, cappuccinos... well you get the idea! (we don't need to list them all!) Now we know kettles may not seem like the most exciting or interesting item to talk about but without these appliances we wouldn't be able to snuggle up and enjoy a nice hot beverage on these now darker, cooler days!

Kettles are a functional item but this doesn't mean they can't look stylish sat on the kitchen worktop. If you shop around you can find a variety of different shapes and colours to match your kitchen decor. There is a huge array of kettles out there depending on taste, ranging from copper / rose gold effect to bright and bold colours. Pretty patterns adorn some, while others use a more traditional shape and style! We even found some that change colour as they boil! The choice is yours! Just remember kettles don't have to be dull and boring and you can have a lot of fun deciding which one you want! The humble kettle is used everyday so why not pick one that is just a little bit more exciting! (the smeg one though how cute and available in lots of other colours too!)

Copper kettle Debenhams £110 / Red heart kettle Next £32 / 

Colour change kettle John Lewis £46 / Cuppa kettle Argos £29.99 / 

Smeg pink kettle Currys £99.99 / Cranberry kettle Asda £54.99 

Sarah and Holly

                                 

      

lets talk geometric

One of the easiest and simple ways to change or update a room is to introduce new shapes and patterns. This doesn't have to mean getting the builders in to knock down walls or dramatically changing the layout of your home. The geometric trend can help incorporate big blocks of bright, bold colours with an array and variety of interesting patterns and lines. Energetic angles and graphic forms can be exciting and dramatic when used in the right way. Shape and form can help create new and exciting areas. Colours applied together can create interesting contrasts. 

Strong lines and bold shapes can ignite some life into your home. It adds a modern and clean look and can be easily acheived by purchasing one main, expensive statement item or by using multiple, smaller, subtle pieces throughout the whole house. The choice and budget is yours! Picking items you would not quickly tire of would be an excellent investment for your home. Keep it simple and you can't go wrong! 

We had a lot of fun selecting the items below and we have to admit once you start looking for geometric inspired pieces it is hard to stop! It really is everywhere! The array of colours and shapes are fun and inspiring! Hence the multiple pieces we have selected below!

 (We particularly love the grey and yellow vase!)

Photo frame Primark £3 / Light shade Tomic & Daly £45 / Chair Argos £129.99 / 
Cushion Asda £7 / Rug Habitat £250

Vase House of Fraser £30 / Cushion Debenhams £28 / 
Bowls House of Fraser £18 - £20 / Soap dispenser Asda £5

  Sarah and Holly