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03 Dec 20

A colour lover’s Christmas gift guide

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It’s here! My Christmas round-up of gift ideas for fellow colours lovers. Finding the perfect gift for those of us who are of a maximalist spirit is pure joy. Bring on all the colour, all the pattern and all the gorgeousness.

This is also the first year that I have a gift idea offering! You can buy my online course ‘Bold Brave and Beautiful‘ interiors for a loved one and I’ll post out a gift box of goodies to them, including the online gift voucher and a handwritten note from me. The gift box includes my limited edition sketchbook as well as other goodies all adding up to a value of £50, all beautifully wrapped in this leopard print gift wrap by Petra Boase. You can purchase the gift box here.

Year on year I think we are all trying to be more mindful about how we shop and I think this year, in particular, has sharpened our focus on how we spend our money. Our high street stores and independent retailers, artists and designers have had their plans dashed by the lockdown. All the Christmas fairs cancelled and here in the UK, we continue to see some our most loved and established high street stores buckle under the strain of having their doors closed. But thank goodness for the postal service!

In this round-up, I include a mixture of gift ideas across the shopping spectrum, from favourite high street stores, online retailers to small brands and craftspeople. Sustainability is a mission that must be championed and I’m pleased to report that many retailers are using biodegradable (ie not plastic) packaging which in this online shopping age is as important as the objects themselves. But there is still work to be done and we should continue to apply pressure for businesses to do better.

But on with the colour joy, this my lovely readers is my round-up of gift ideas for the colour lover in your life. Unleash a little rainbow love under your tree this year.

1. The follow up to Conscious Creativity this workbook is perfect for those with a love of creativity or for those looking to unlock it. I adore Philipa’s talent for unbridled inspiration, Conscious Creativity, The work book: Experiment, explore, create £12.99, 5ftinf |

2.  Oh you know how I love an oversized earring, and these bejewelled beauties are sure to dazzle (and spot the ombre effect on some of the stones- nice!), Rainbow rhinestone hanging earrings, £35, & Other Stories |

3. Two things to love here. Super soft retro velour for some luxey lounging. And rainbow detailing!  Velour sweatshirt, dress blue, £60, St Bert’s |

4. We all need a little mood boost this time of year, and I turn to scent when I want to switch the vibe. With proven therapeutic qualities known to relieve stress, improve sleep, energize, balance or calm the mind, essential oils aim to contribute to an overall improvement to your well-being and I’m here for that!  Essential oils gift set, £35, FYG |

5. Who could resist that fabulous fringe! How to instantly up-level your interior with one fabulous lampshade, Grey Tiger Chinoiserie Crown Shade, £245, Abigail Hardie Home |

6. If, like me, you can never have too many notebooks, Emilio Braga has been producing these beautiful ones since 1918. They are still produced in the same handmade way, sewn and glued using techniques over 100 years old. I adore how the paper edges are sponged with a contrast colour to give a wonderful dappled effect. Emilio Braga A5 notebook, £19.50 each, Petra Boase |

7. I was overjoyed to see one of my favourite designers launch his online shop last month. A treasure trove for the magpie eye! This playful bud vase looks great with your favourite blooms or as a standalone piece, Little glass vase, £85, Matthew Williamson |

8. My husband is obsessed with his wireless speaker he takes it everywhere with him, either doing stuff in the garden or DIY. Now I can get in on the portable disco fun with this rainbow design, Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Bluetooth Waterproof Portable Speaker, in Unicorn, £99, John Lewis |

9. The Colour File has been one of my long time favourite colour loving Instagram accounts and now Martha has bought her collage work into the real world! For all your rainbow chasers out there, check out her selection of art prints and cards, A3 Art print £35, The Colour File10. As a stylist, I love a cake stand. Not just for confections its a wonderful prop for styling fruit, nuts and ornaments at this time of year and adding some height to your tablescape. So I just have to have this rainbow one to my collection.  Phoebe cake stand, £42, Anthropologie |

11. Skye McAlpine is not only a wonderful host and cook, but she’s also a fabulous colour lover to boot. Her latest book is a must for the budding entertainer, and the photography and styling is mouthwatering too, A Table for Friends: The Art of Cooking for Two or Twenty, £15.98, Amazon |

12. Can you have too many oversized rainbow-themed earrings?! Quite. I’d love to see these slipped into my stocking this year, Prism Bar & Circle Gem Inlay Statement Drop Earrings, £24 Oliver Bonas 

13.  Toiletries make a fabulous gift and I declare that soap is making a come back as it cuts back on plastic packaging and is has a wonderful retro vibe too. I love this set by one of my favourite designer makers, Purse and soap set, £18.80, Molly Mahon |

14. One thing I love to do at Christmas is make up little hampers for people as gifts. This would make the most marvellous receptacle and jolly useful too, Bolga storage basket Peppy, £35, Lola & Mawu |

15. It wouldn’t be Christmas without the moody glow of candlelight and these would make a stunning centrepiece, Two-Tone Javelin candles, £17.50 set 3, Sunshine & Snow |

16. The classic chocolate gift, I would love to see these stuffed in a stocking or added to a hamper. Its the packaging that caught my eye but Pump Street imports it’s beans direct from co-operatives and family-run farms and uses non-plastic compostable packaging so that almost makes it guilt-free right! Mini bars, selection of 6, £14.40, Pump Street Chocolate |

17. The best things come in little packages but sometimes the little package is the best bit!  Small wooden lacquer rainbow box, £110, Matilda Goad |

18. Fashion brand Kemi Telford is always on my wish list but delighted to see the riot of pattern and colour rolled out into these cute hair accessories. And an ingenious way to reduce fashion waste too! Remnant hair bows, £19.99 set 4, Kemi Telford

19. These exquisite glasses are so much more than just for drinks. I use mine as candle votive holders and mini vases too. I can guarantee they spark joy! Set of 6 Peony glasses, £89, Graham & Green |

20. This book is as likeable, relatable and as stylish as the author herself. Erica is my go-to gal for fashion advise because she keeps it real while also giving you the confidence to break the rules in order to carve out your own unabashed sense of style. Leopard is a Neutral: A Really Useful Style Guide by Erica Davies, £11.97, Amazon 

21. If having your daily cuppa is one of life’s most treasured rituals, then you might as well do it in colourful style, Mugs, £12 each, British Colour Standard |

22. Repeat after me ” I want all the patterns and all the colours, all at the same time!” Who knew you could apply this design rule to one piece of clothing but Wee Beauties have! , Lambswool knitted scarf, £58, Wee Beauties |

23. A fabulous pair of pyjamas has to be one of life’s lushest luxuries. I wouldn’t mind Santa catching me out in these, Bocas Print Lilac long pyjamas, £150, Desmond & Dempsey |

24. If you like your gifts to be useful as well as beautiful, and let’s throw sustainable in there too then I think I’ve found the perfect combination. Gomi innovate products made from plastic trash that would otherwise end up in landfills or the oceans. And it looks super cool too, Portable charger, £69, Gomi |

25. I admit, I can’t knit, but with people taking up new crafts a pace I might be tempted by this beautiful idea. A kit with just enough yarn to make your own pair of colourful woolly socks.  Mimo Mash-Up Sock Kit, £20, The Mimo Yarn Co. |

26. Ooh I do love a good cushion and my home can never have enough. But if I was to treat my home this Christmas, I’d make it something really special, super-sized, super soft and velvety and in my go-to favourite colours. Sapphire Marbled Velvet Large Square Cushion, £185, Susi Bellamy.

Please note: All prices correct at the time of posting 03/12/20.

Featured photography by Alun Callendar

 

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Not going to lie, this might be one of my proudest Not going to lie, this might be one of my proudest makeovers ever…
My Dad and Mary’s modern French villa was all beige tiles, white walls and zero personality. So I did what I do best: turned it into a technicolour dreamscape inspired by the countryside views outside those gorgeous bifold doors.

Inspired by early  autumn leaves, emerald green fields, and piercing blue skies we set about making the inside of their home feel as joyful as the outside … now imagine all that bottled up into wallpaper, fabrics, cushions and colour-drenched furniture.

If you’ve ever thought bold colour overwhelming or that pattern was too much for open-plan spaces… this one’s for you. Because colour and pattern sings in nature, and it can work just as well in your home decor.

All wallpapers, rug and cushion fabrics are from my collection with @harlequinfw. Painting by @sophieabbottartist 

Full sourcing list, extra styling tips and a deeper dive into the design story are up now on A Life In Colour: head to my Substack via the link in bio to read more!
End of January check-in… and yes, the struggle to End of January check-in… and yes, the struggle to stay joyful is very real right now. Dark mornings, grey skies, energy running low.

That’s exactly why our homes matter so much at this time of year. They are our sanctuary. The place that should lift your mood, calm your nervous system and make you feel held when the outside world feels a bit, how can I put this...relentless. And this isn’t just a feeling or a design philosophy. It’s backed up by science. Research shows that colour, light, beauty and nature in our homes have a direct impact on mood, wellbeing and happiness. Small, intentional changes really can shift how you feel day to day.

I’d love to know… what brings you the most joy in your home right now? A colour, a room, a plant, a view, a ritual? Share it in the comments 💛

And if you’re ready to go deeper, my big January Sale ends this week.

If you want to truly understand colour psychology and learn how to curate a home that feels joyful, confident and completely you, comment ULTIMATE and I’ll send you the link to my online design school and your opportunity to make the biggest saving of the year.
These are the ingredients to making your home feel These are the ingredients to making your home feel as good as it looks. 

• Confident colour that creates the mood
• Beautiful pattern that delights the eye
• Layered texture that brings it all alive
• Personality in every corner, so it feels like home

Magic happens when you stop playing it safe and start designing a home that truly reflects you. A home that feels joyful, expressive and alive. But designing a home can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you combine colours without it feeling chaotic? How do you clash patterns so it looks considered? How to express your unique personality without merely copying other people’s style?

That is exactly why I created my online design school. After more than 25 years as an interior designer, I have distilled my design process into clear, easy-to-follow courses that take you step by step through combining colours, balancing patterns and adding texture, so you can decorate with confidence and creativity.

And right now, my January Sale is on. You can save a huge 60% on my transformational courses, designed to completely change how you approach your home and how it makes you feel. If you are ready to embrace your creativity and deepen your passion for interior design  comment ULTIMATE and I will send you all the details.
Think Maximalism is ‘too much’, too messy, or only Think Maximalism is ‘too much’, too messy, or only for other people? 

I’m here to tell you: maximalism isn’t chaotic. It’s just misunderstood.

Once you understand how colour and pattern work together, decorating like a maximalist stops feeling intimidating and starts feeling instinctive. Your home starts feeling like you.

If you want to design your home with confidence, my Ultimate Interiors Bundle is exactly what you need. It includes three self-paced online courses that take you inside my design process, teaching you how to use colour and pattern so you can make bold choices that actually work, again and again. 

Right now, the Ultimate Interiors Bundle is a massive 60% off. Buy now, enjoy the saving, and start whenever you are ready to create a home that is completely yours.

Comment ULTIMATE and I’ll DM you the link to find out more.
Welcome to my witchy era! Who else wants to harnes Welcome to my witchy era! Who else wants to harness the Year of the Horse and use this dynamic energy to manifest your best year yet! 

A vision board is like a compass that will lead your goal settings and intentions with total clarity. To prepare i like to take lots of long walks and meditate on what it is so want more of in my life while gratefully letting go of what no longer serves me. 

Join me Wednesday for a live webinar on how to I create a Vision board that will ignite your passion and motivation to live a bold, creative and colourful life! Comment VB26 for the link.
Dark and moody colours can feel intimidating, but Dark and moody colours can feel intimidating, but my TV snug shows just how well they can work. The deep tones soften the space and create a calm, cocooning atmosphere, perfect for evenings spent watching TV, or retreating from the day.

Contrary to what you might think, this room really comes into its own in winter. Low light and long evenings make the colour feel enveloping and cosy. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, sink in, and make yourself comfortable.

I sampled so many different paints but Cordoba by Little Greene was the perfect choice for this room. It’s full of depth and warmth, and just the right amount of drama. 

And if you’re thinking about taking the leap yourself, my tip is: don’t fight the natural light you have, lean into it. Don’t be shy about colour drenching walls, woodwork and ceiling so the room feels seamless and intentional. In my snug, that richness is what makes it feel cosy and complete.

There’s no place I’d rather be on chilly evenings.
How do I explain this feeling to a minimalist? To How do I explain this feeling to a minimalist?

To some people this might look like too much, but for me, maximalism isn’t excessive, it’s pure self expression. I decorate my home to reflect the way I live and that’s full of bold uplifting, joy-giving colour. Every patterned textile, every artwork, every joyful little object earns its place because it makes me feel happy. 

And if I’m being honest a neutral room doesn’t make me feel calm, it makes me feel slightly depressed. My home lifts my mood, fires my creativity and gives me a little thrill every single day.

Now tell me… are you Team Minimal or Team Maximal? And what makes your heart sing at home?
There’s something about walking that has quietly h There’s something about walking that has quietly held me together this past year.

When life threw its challenges my way, my anxiety went into overdrive. I lost clarity, my head was foggy, and the overwhelm shut me down. But walking, one step in front of the other, slowly moved me in the right direction.

We all know walking is good for the body, but it’s also one of the most powerful tools for the mind. Moving helps process stuck emotions, those steady steps soothe racing thoughts, and the changing scenery opens up fresh ways of thinking. Being in nature grounds you. And the best part is, it’s free.

Whenever I’m preparing a new vision for my year or any creative project, I always start with a long solo walk. I take my journal, let the thoughts tumble out, and begin to find a clarity and direction again. Next step is to use my creativity to create a powerful vision board full of images that resonate with how I want to feel and who I want to be. Less of a to do list, more of an emotional reset. This works for me as it brings in the light, and more importantly keeps me inspired and motivated.

If you’re ready to gently clear the fog and get clear on what you want more of, my ‘Life in Colour Vision Board Masterclass’ is now on sale. I’m hosting on the 21st January, 7pm GMT (with a recorded replay available). Comment VB26 below and I’ll send you all the details. 

Can’t wait to see what we can create together this year!
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