Wallpaper of the Week - Mimi by Harlequin

http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=69&P=7&C=

Hmm how lush is this ? The delicate white flowers against the soft grey background, just so pretty yet classic all the same.

Its another one from the Boutique collection by Harlequin, yes I'm still loving it ! The imagery here with the white sofa and silver and glass accessories works so well, I'm desperate to give it a try in real life !

The subtle pattern makes this design easy to use in any situation, it would be ideal in a reception room or a bedroom.

One thing to consider is that in some positions it could make the room appear to be a little cold. I would suggest that it would work best along with natural daylight that is coming from a South or Westerly direction (with naturally red or orangey light).

Image courtesy of Harlequin Harris 2010

Wallpaper of the Week - Iola Rose by Harlequin

http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=69&P=9&C=

My Harlequin love continues this week, with what is my favourite new collection of the season 'Boutique' - I can't wait for my sample book to arrive (Sad admission of morning !)

There are nine designs within the collection, ranging from florals, both bright and stunningly subtle, to abstract motifs and stripes. The colours are exquisite, so clean and crisp and incorporating a shimmer effect in places to provide an additional lift.

The paper shown today is called Iola Rose and is also available in a light pink rose with a pale green background. I have chosen this particular paper as the warmth from the colour brightened up my desk on this cold autumnal morning. Its so rich and vibrant that it would add a dash of luxury to any room.

Wallpaper of the Week - Gardenia by Harlequin

http://www.harlequin.uk.com/collection.aspx?ID=67&P=1&C=

I have to admit that the reduced number of Wallpaper of the Week posts hasn't been purely down to the fact that the work load is going off the Richter Scale (yaay !) but down to the fact that I was getting a little low on ideas of wallpapers to share....then there was Focus and Decorex ....

Oh how things can change in the course of a week.

For those of you who don't know last week was officially London Trade Fair week when even us Northerners are allowed to taste the Chelsea air and view all of the new launches ready for 2011. I've got so many new got-to-have papers I didn't really know where to start ...

This gorgeous delicate wallpaper is from one of Harlequin's new collections entitled Juniper. The paper shown is Gardenia, depicting soft lilac and pale green alliums. The lilac and green was a popular colour combination seen around the shows. The Juniper Collection includes some gorgeous co-ordinating fabrics some of which can be seen on the bed cushions in the image.

I am going to be suggesting the wallpaper to clients for both bedroom schemes and living room schemes. The muted colours allow it to blend easily into existing schemes adding a freshness, brightening up a room against this dull wet weather !

Wallpaper of the Week - Isabelle by Monsoon (Top of the charts for July)

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/monsoon/isabelle/44735

Continuing to make the most of the 'font of knowledge on everything wallpaper in the UK' that is www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk , this weeks more traditional, gentile wallpaper is July's best selling pattern. What a contrast to the year to date best seller that I featured last week ? It appears that the blip of warm sunny weather that we had in July (a long distant memory amid the rain cloud that is currently present overhead) made everyone want to bring a bit of the garden inside.

Taking its inspiration from a French 18th century design the pattern features large florals, birds and butterflies (obvious difference between the garden it is modelled on and mine is the distinct lack of footballs !)

The paper shown above is a delicate green on duck egg version, however, it is available in six different colourways each giving a different feel to the paper, the more impact you want to make the bolder colour option you choose.

Its quite a bargain too - at £15.40 a roll it wouldn't take up too much of your re-decoration budget to pop up a quick feature wall. I was about to say "not for everyones taste" but given the fact that its topped July's charts its obviously to quite a lot of peoples tastes.

Thanks once again to @lovedecorating for their help with this weeks feature

Wallpaper of the Week - Wow ! This years best selling wallpaper *

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/brewers/wow-from-albany/73710

What would you think would be Britain's most popular wallpaper design ? I would have said something subtle, something classic and something quite neutral in colour....How wrong was I ?? The bold, vivid, geometric design above is the best selling wallpaper for Wallpaper Direct in 2010. What a courageous old bunch we are !!

The paper is from the Albany WOW ! range and reasonably priced at £19.99 / roll. A perfect statement pattern, I would expect more often than not is being used on a feature wall rather than an entire room. I would add a light, silvery dove grey to the other walls to add a neutral base and really set off the wallpaper.

Geometric designs are great for using in any reception room or hall-way. The bright vibrant colours will add a lovely warm feel to any surroundings (although I'd keep away from bedrooms and go for a calmer colourway).

Thanks Aaron at Wallpaper Direct for his help - follow them on twitter at @lovedecorating

* Source : Wallpaper Direct 2010 YTD

Wallpaper of the Week - Zagazoo by Osborne & Little

http://www.osborneandlittle.com/osborne-&-little/zagazoo-wallpaper/

OK, ok so I promised mass market this week - its on its way ...fingers crossed for next week. In the mean time, so as not to leave you without your Monday fix of inspiration (hopefully) have a little look at this. Maybe the close up will help you recognise the designer ?? hint..think George's Marvellous Medicine and Mr & Mrs Twit ...

Yes, the fabulous illustrator Quentin Blake has teamed up with Osborne & Little to develop this gorgeous wallpaper and fabric collection. It features four ranges, from the vivid Cockatoos to the more delicate Alphabet Tales with a Butterfly Meadow design and All Join In happy family to complete the story.

Thanks to the range of colourways and the level of detail there really is something for every child, right down to newborns with Alphabet Tales lending itself effortlessly to a nursery.

Costing £31.73 per roll you are probably going to want to create a feature wall rather than the entire room, however a whole room of Cockatoos would certainly help wake them up a bit quicker in the morning !!!

Wallpaper of the Week - Bird in the Bush by Anna French

http://www.annafrench.co.uk/collections/wild-flora/birdinthebush/index.shtml

Following on from last week's discovery of sparkly, shiny, glossy, beautiful traditional yet with a twist wallpapers from Anna French (I kind of liked them just a little bit), this week's paper is another one from her Wild Flora collection. Its called Bird in the Bush ...but I can't find any birds in it ??

I have to admit that this design is not usually what I would go for and I think that its the room set image that has won me over. I love the dusky pink upholstered day bed working with the aqua foil finish of the wallpaper. There are six colourways available, the majority are rather more traditional in colours and finishes. Probably not to the mass market taste but loverly all the same...

If it does tickle your fancy, its range of price is quite vast dependent on finish. For a standard paper finish its available for around £40 a roll up to around £82 a roll for the foil finish above.

Off to go to the opposite extreme for next week I think and find something so mass market that everyone will be able to find a wall for it. And yes, I did mean to say loveRly !

Wallpaper of the Week - Songbird by Anna French

http://www.annafrench.co.uk/collections/wild-flora/songbirds/index.shtml

As part of 'Big Plan' (more details to follow) I have been researching a few new trade accounts to set up. To my delight I stumbled across a beautiful range of wallpapers that has such amazing finishes from flocked to a tarnished foil that actually gives a mirrored look !! (Wallpaper does have an odd effect on me, its quite bizarre, when I discover a new range I'm like a kid in a toy shop - I found them on Tuesday morning and have been trying to grab a second ever since to look into them further !)

The range is from Anna French (a division of Thibaut) and is called 'Wild Flora'. If you're not a floral fan don't be put off by the name - its not all flowers ! Anyway, I'm going to stretch this one out and stick to delivering what the title states - 'A' Wallpaper of the Week.

The first one that I have chosen (that's a lie Small1 chose it as I was torn between two) is called Songbirds. I have to admit that it was the finish rather than the design that initially caught my eye. The image above shows it in 'Gold on Tarnished Foil' however, there are seven versions available ranging from 'Grey Pencil on White' to 'Gold on Purple'. Just flicking through the different colours shows how a completely different effect can be achieved by changing the base colours and textures, if you didn't know that they had the same pattern, you probably wouldn't link them together.

This range of finishes also has a range of price tags - ranging from around £60 up to £80 a roll - its not cheap but its very beautiful and doesn't deserve to be hidden away - if you are going to spend on what could be a considered a work of art it needs to be hung where it can be admired. I'd love to see it in an entrance hall sitting behind a classic console table.

Be warned, this range has really got to me, and its so diverse due to the range of patterns and effects that you're going to be seeing a lot more of it over coming weeks !

Wallpaper of the Week - Scribble by Flame Interiors

Isn't this fab ? You've seen it somewhere before haven't you ? You just can't quite put your finger on where it was right ?... Wrong !

This is a very special one off design created by Fiona Flame of Flame Interiors to meet the brief of a client who knew exactly what he was after.

Fiona met with her client, a jeweller, who was looking for assistance with the interior design of his new store. The brief was for "a feature wall with a scribble on it, just like when someone is doodling". After various findings didn't quite meet with her expectations, Fiona decided it was time to jump to the other side of the fence and exchange the "Interior Designer Hat" for the "Wallpaper Designer Hat" et voila...Scribble by Fiona Flame.

In real life the paper has a shiny silver background and the feature wall is going to be 2.8 metres high by 1.8metres tall ! Imagine this supported by a colour scheme of dark blue, white and platinum in silk wall coverings and light catching wallpapers - lush. I can't wait to see the final results !

I suppose the moral of this mornings rambling is that communication is key. If you have a clear idea in mind and can communicate that idea then it 'can' be achieved, I'm not saying its going to be cheap, but there are ways of making things happen.

With thanks to Flame Interiors (www.flame-interiors.com)

Trying to help make things a little bit better....

I prefer not to think about it. I try to deny its existence. I can shut it out of my mind and pretend that it doesn't, hasn't and won't affect my life. But in reality, just like everyone else there is no hiding from this monster.

I'm a Mummy, I'm expected to fix things and put things right, make things better...but this eludes me. I can't bring back my Grandparents, I can't bring back my children's Grandpa.

My feeble attempt to make a difference, to try and help make things a little bit better is to go for a walk, a 10 mile walk. At midnight - well I'd probably end up getting up in the middle of the night anyway to find a missing teddy (or a missing wellie boot...but thats a whole different story).

I've got a t-shirt and a note to say that I could get it personalised...."I'm walking for ..." well lets just say I'd didn't know where to start. Its too big for my liking, too real. I've left it too late to get my personalisation done (and to start training), but I have decided who I'm walking for. I'm walking for GB, Small1 and Small2, my 'happy little family', my responsibility. If me walking can raise a little bit of money to help another little family like ours have some happy times when things are tough then I feel its definitely worth doing.

The last time I did a sponsored anything was in the final year at secondary school - a sponsored 24hr famine. I ate a crisp, a monster munch and caved in. I can't cave in on this as I have to make it back to the car, to make it home to check that there are no stray teddies or wellies. I have to help that Mummy when she needs to try and make things better for her little family.

If you could please spare some money, I am walking for Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes on Saturday 17th July.

http://www.justgiving.com/sarahbarnes01

Thank you very much x

Wallpaper of the Week - Mood by Camengo

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/new-collections.php?page=2

A lovely delicate yet distinct wallpaper for this week. The collection by Camengo is called Mood and this paper features pretty cherry blossoms giving a non-flowery-floral pattern if there could be such a contradiction ! I have chosen it as its light and airy despite its deeper background taupe colour. There are various colour-ways available, I think my personal favourite has a duck egg flower head.

Rather than a standard flat image, this design has great depth due to the shadowing effects and variations of the colours used.

The collection also has a range of plain coloured wallpapers, however, I would recommend that you consider a paint mix to complement the rest of your scheme. From a practical point of view this allows you to touch up and marks and makes your feature wall all the more special.

Wallpaper of the Week - Bindi by Eijffinger

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/eijffinger/bindi/76490

A nice bright start to the week. The football may well be over for another four years (Guilty pleasure : the sneaky shots of David on the bench - enough said) but its still summer and believe it or not the sun is 'still' shining ! So this lovely cheery paper is hopefully a good match for your mood.

Eijffinger (please don't ask me to pronounce it - Dutch is not a strength of mine) have lots of lovely bold floral collections, but their Bindi Collection is inspired by traditional Indian designs, luxurious and rich in both in colour and texture. The striking patterns range from trailing florals to large bold paisley. With colourways as diverse as turquoise, lime, purple and silver enhanced by metallic finishes it is certainly a head turner.

Its not cheap, starting at £52 per roll and rising up to £75 for the metallic finishes, but boy is it going to look amazing ! Don't be scared of this range, it is bold but its beautiful and will enhance any room - simply add lots of neutrals and I would advise not accessorising just let the paper do the talking.

Its here - Business Mum's Blog Carnival

The responsibility !! Helen has entrusted me with June's Business Blogs Carnival ...I hope I don't disappoint !

My first major decision has been what image to use as the opener...I deliberated and contemplated and tried to think of something that represented June...sunshine (we've got some for once but didn't want to be responsible for bringing it to an end by talking about it), bloomin' football (David Beckham was up there believe me), tennis (not really in full flow yet) then it hit me...Pimms !

We have a great mix of articles for you this month so my suggestion is you pour yourself a lovely refreshing glass and sit back (preferably with your sunnies on and your feet in the paddling pool ...wifi permitting) and enjoy..... (now for the really scary bit I have to try and work out these links !!)

First up this month we have some brand new blogs, Marianne at BagPod's Half a Book ? Her plans to send 'virtual postcards from South Wales to the Philippines' and Jacqueline from Organic Baby Clothes Direct has written her first post about Organic Cotton Facts with some real thought provoking points.

Sam at Mumazing (host of July's carnival) has had a tough week with her business - would a walk in the park would lift her spirits? Find out about how parks are a budget-conscious mum's best friend over at Baby Budgeting.

On with business and Antonia from Family Friendly Working has written about the Implications for your business of the Coalition Government . 'She's Trying To Destroy Me! Coping with Competition and Flattery in Business' is this month's topic from Natalie at Self Employed Mum, and dealing with another potential business stress is Business Ethics from Karen at Learning Made Fun discussing honesty and integrity . Helen at Business Plus Baby talks in this month's article about the term 'Mumpreneur' and equality in childcare.

On to some more personal articles, two to feature for June, first up in celebration of Breast Feeding Awareness week we have Arabella from the Natural Nursery Blog with her very own inspiring Breastfeeding Story. Tracy-Jane has written a beautiful article about her Mum, One year on - Life without a loved one.

The children, we can't not mention them can we ? Seema at Kidz4mation has written about 'When little people go red with rage ! ' full of useful tips on how to cope with 'those' moments. And Jude at Artful Adventures has been in the presence of Mister Maker !! Read about his visit and Eldest Son's moment of fame.

Wow - nearly there ! (Definitely feeling in need of a Pimms now as having to apologise for not being able to get the links to look pretty like other people have - note to self go on a blogging course !!) Finally, this month a challenge ...Helen and Sam at Mums The Boss have set you a "It's all about YOU!" Daily Challenge, see if you can stick to it ?

Don't forget to get to check out www.businessplusbaby.com for details of July's carnival.

Wallpaper of the Week - Here's the science bit ....

http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/wallpaper-collections/Contour%20Anti-Bacterial

OK so the 'rules' state that you shouldn't use wallpaper in bathrooms and kitchens .... steam will make it peel off, it will go mouldy (urghh) and who would consider putting any fluffy design thought into these 'functional' rooms anyway ?....

Well you'll be pleased to know that there is now an easy solution to these long held beliefs. Contour have designed a range of wallpaper that is 'Anti-bacterial', "providing on going protection from harmful bacteria".

There are 13 designs available in 36 colourways, ranging from the 'cheesy' cupcake paper and equally as cliche'ed 'Dinner Time' featuring a lovely knife and fork design to the relatively palatable 'Groovy' (shown with roll top bath below). The papers are all £25 a roll and are paste to wall which I suppose gives you another reason to consider them.

So why my obvious lack of enthusiasm about this range that has been reported as potentially revolutionising design in kitchens and bathrooms ?

Well I've been rambling on about using wallpaper everywhere for ages...12 months I've been nagging the people who happen to stumble across my ramblings on this blog and even longer in the case of my nearest and dearest. This paragraph has not been checked by a lawyer so I'm not going to be held liable for any claims.. but with the right research and the right products (ie use the recommended pastes and varnishes rather than what you might have left over in garage from the 1970's wood-chip days) then the majority of wallpapers can be used in *any* room.

Just to prove my point the sink with the flamingo's is *my* en suite. I have used Cole and Son Pink Flamingo wallpaper on two walls of the room. Applied following the manufacturers instructions, using their recommended paste but ...here's the science bit... coated in a layer of Polyvine Decorators Varnish any wallpaper can be transformed into one suitable for using in bathrooms and kitchens. The varnish costs around £13.00 a litre and is available from any trade decorating centre. Use the satin finish and you can't tell that there is any coating at all, but, as I regularly put to the test, even toothpaste will wipe off it without so much as a smudge.

Apologies for this weeks rambling rather than recommendation but I just don't want people to think that they are limited to a range of boring wallpapers when in reality you are free to choose whatever takes your fancy ......I'll get off my soap box in time for next week.

(Apologies for layout have changed pc to mac this wk and still learning normal service on foramtting also to be returned asap)

Wallpaper of the Week - Marimekko Bo Boo aka Lots of Lovely Bright Cars

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/brewers/bo-boo/74629

I have the builders back in on Tuesday (again) the last room to receive its first coat of Barnes' paint ! Its small1's bedroom that he's had to make-do with being decorated with a bit of bunting until now. He wants blue - he always wants blue...remember the disappointment when the 'white' bath turned up for the blue bathroom ? He's already asked whether the original Edwardian green glass panels in his windows are going to be changed to blue - I'm trying to manage his expectations !!

So... I'm on the hunt for a wallpaper, when I came across this fab primary coloured cars, vans, lorry, buses wallpaper. Its from Marimekko and I fell for it instantly - its everything that I love in a paper - clean, crisp, bold but doesn't take over (bit like the wine I'm drinking while I write !)

But here's the dilemma...he's 4 years old, if I show him this paper he'll love it (anything with wheels). Two years ago and I wouldn't have thought twice, (well I probably would have cringed at the price £54.95 a roll for a child's bedroom) but at 4 and starting school in September I can practically guarantee that by this time next year he'll think of it as 'babyish' - the realisation hit - I've missed the boat...I no longer have a toddler to appreciate it !

So, I'm off to carry on my hunt, but if you have a toddler please take a look at it - I'm sure that someone out there can give it a loving home !

Wallpaper of the Week - Calm, relaxed and a little bit of prettiness

http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Garden/Home+Decorating/Wallpapers/SubCategory.aspx

Its very delicate so I have had to temporarily change the background to the blog to ensure that you can see this week's paper.

I was flicking through one of the multitude of interiors magazines that appear on every surface of our house (usually accompanied by a Cbeebies version) and I came across a lovely pretty 'Rosa' wallpaper from John Lewis. I knew that they had increased their range of wallpapers but wasn't aware that they were also now selling their own range.

I've had a quick look and I am really impressed. Its subtle in design and the range of colourways are gentle and although there are some stronger colours the majority is light and fresh rather than strong and heavy.

The design above is Butterfly Blossom, £20 a roll and one of their more expensive patterns. I would recommend taking a look at the range if you are after a modern take on a traditional idea, something that is unobtrusive, light and pretty.

Wallpaper of the Week - Love a bit of Disney (with taste)

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/collections/kids-home/disney-kids-home/573

It could be said (as we pack our bags to set sail (volcanic ash permitting) on Disney Magic around the Med) that the Barnes' are a bit partial to Disney. I was a sceptic but they just know how to 'do things' and they generally tend to do things with bells on. I came across the new launch of wallpapers and my initial thought was 'Urghh how cheesey is this going to be', followed by 'I must remember not to let Small1 see this or he'll be desperate for it'. I was very pleasantly surprised.

Yes, they have character and colour overload, but alongside the bright imagery above (most of which are one off stickers rather than very busy pattern repeats) they have a great range of co-ordinating paints and more interestingly wallpapers. I have been searching for a blue based stripe for weeks and faster than you can type Miska Mouska Mickey Mouse ...there is it - with no indication what so ever that its linked to the Mouse Man himself. Alongside the traditional character wallpaper each 'brand' has its own plain, stripe, maxi sticker and then a variation on the original wallpaper that is a bit more subtle and stylised. Yes, its aimed at the children but there has been some consideration for the parents that also have to live with it.

My advice would be don't be put off by the fact that its Disney, give it a chance and it may be that there is something that would fit every one's plans. (Just for the record, I wouldn't recommend it for the living room)

Wallpaper of the Week - Black and White

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/collections/brewers/black-white-vol-ii/589

A whole range this week, from Brewers its their Black and White Vol II range. They have their usual marketing blurb to describe the mix of patterns and styles that have been put together, I personally think its a bit of a random mix of black and white papers, but I like it all the same.

The official line is "Oscar Wilde quotes in flock finish, cityscapes, bold florals and stylised contemporary road maps. A little different, very special" Its quirky and unfortunately the detail can't be seen from a tiny internet image. Things like the road map is actually printed on high gloss black paper with the matt grey blocks layered on top, finished with pale grey road names ...yet again I need to invent a touchy feely blog page to get across why they are rightly using the word special to describe them - its in the finish daarrrhling !

Due to the complete cross section of designs that they have selected there is pretty much something for everyone from a masculine tartan (which I actually think is my favourite because of all of the silvery bits) to the girly spotty print.

Unfortunately the paper also has a 'special' price to match with prices ranging from £41.50 a roll up to ...wait for it ....£117.50 !...ouch

Wallpaper of the Week - Diva by Barbara Hulanicki

http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/18103/Diva/15?show=

We've got a day with sunshine ! A first for 2010, so I set about trying to find you a nice light spring wallpaper. This cream and silver (vague I know, remember to follow the rules and ALWAYS get a sample and a big one at that - you need to see at least one pattern repeat..I digress..) geometric paper is from Barbara Hulanicki, founder of Biba the fashion retailer back in the 60's and 70's. She's designed a couple of ranges now for Graham and Brown and I think this one has to be my favourite.

The colour was the first thing to catch my attention, so fresh and light just what is needed to finally drag us out of what has seemed to have been the winter that went on forever ! Then the pattern, on reflection I would say its actually quite complex but you only really discover that given time and a bit of daydreaming in its general direction. First impact, for me anyway, was that its clean and got enough going on but doesn't take over everything. I think you could happily put another patterned item alongside it without it dominating.

Another 'safe' wallpaper that would be suitable for using in pretty much any room and a £30 a roll its not too pricey for a designer paper.

....As a slight aside this week if anyone has a particular room that they would like me to try and help out with a wallpaper for please just get in touch and any comments are always gratefully received ....

Wallpaper of the Week - MetalXGlass by Brian Yates

http://www.brian-yates.co.uk/wallcoverings.shtml?pageNo=15

Isn't this lush ? I made the fatal mistake of taking a trip down to the Chelsea Design Centre last week. I did actually have some 'proper' work to be doing there sourcing fabrics and wallpapers but I just get so distracted by all of the beautiful things I really am a kid in a toy shop. Among some of my favourite finds were these wallpapers by Brian Yates.

They have such an amazing texturised finish, with parts appearing to be 3D and parts actually being 3D where they have been embellished with amazing glitters, velvets and in some cases glass beads. The problem is that you really do just want to reach out and touch them - not ideal in real life as even my 4 year old has been heard telling the 1 year old "no hands on Mummy's wallpaper" and the glass beads did take me back to the 1980s and the temptation to pick the woodchips out of the wallpaper at the side of my bed - oops ! Beautiful though ! (The glass beads not the woodchips)

The wallpaper that I have shown above also answers another interior design problem that I frequently come across. Which metallic finish to have in a room and how to get away with combining a few different finishes - I'm talking brass this, chrome that etc etc... By using a pewter base with a metallic finish you can never really be 100% sure what colour it is. Nature will take over and dependent on the direction of the natural light source, which angle you view the paper from and at what time of day you will get a variation on the colour that you are looking at allowing you a little bit more flexibility.

But let this be a lesson, if you are wanting to co-ordinate ...get a really good size sample piece, hang it exactly where its going to go and live with it - I'm not talking hang it up long enough to get your other half to say 'yeah like it' I'm talking a week, look at it before you leave the house, when you get in, when you are around at the weekend - its not cheap, its not one that you want to be taking down and doing again !

Where would I use this ? Master bedroom or a dining room - it seems a shame to hide such a beautiful thing away but an element of practicality needs to step in - its not one for a family room ! One of my favourite finds to date, you'll definitely be seeing more of this range to come...

Wallpaper of the Week - Bloomsbury Scarlet

http://www.villanova.co.uk/collections/bloomsbury-wallcoverings/scarlet

What a way to start March with the sun making a welcome appearance after what feels like months of grey drizzle or mushy dirty snow. I can yet again believe that there may be other seasons of the year that don't make me want to hibernate. Even if today's weather is just a cruel reminder before another week of hail, it does act to give hope that we may in the near future move into Spring. So, to celebrate this I have selected a nice bright, fresh 'bloom' for this week's wallpaper.

From Villa Nova's Bloomsbury collection this is the Scarlet colourway of this subtle, pretty, delicate pattern. Its unobtrusive yet the colours are quite strong and the scarlet sits perfectly against the turquoise (reported as 'the' colour of 2010). Also available in other colours such as Kelp and Cayenne there is plenty of choice if you are after a more neutral schemes. And as you would expect from Villa Nova there are a whole host of fabrics to complement, contrast and co-ordinate with your scheme, taking away any chance of 'getting it wrong'.

Wallpaper of the Week - This isn't just wallpaper, this is Marks and Spencers wallpaper !

As you would probably expect, I have my favourite haunts that I return to in search of that next wallpaper design. Some places are like the Topshop of the wallpaper world, no matter what it is that you go in looking for you will come out with something. Some days its exactly what you went in for, other days its the complete opposite. But this morning, I thought I'd open my eyes a bit wider in search of the wallpaper of the week.

I thought I'd do the most basic of googles and see who pays the most for their advertising slot - there were two sponsored links, Laura Ashley - lovely, not very user friendly to hang, so I'm reliably informed, but lots of great choices in a massive number of colourways. The second one threw me a bit - Marks and Spencers. Now I'm in there pretty much every other day and I had been completely unaware of this range - OK so they are probably not going to stock it in their petrol station branches but I think you could say they haven't been telling the world about it.

Its quite a good little range actually. There are 9 designs with a few colour options on some of the styles. Pricing is from £15 to £20 per roll so where you would expect really. Their target, as you can see from the images above is clearly to have a go at Laura Ashley. The traditional damasks and neon colours, alongside a bold stripe and more traditional floral trailing designs and the high street pricing strikes of "well lets guess what their best sellers are, dip our toes in and see how it goes".

Good luck to them, I'm all for making beautiful wallpaper accessible to all and although I would expect it to be a niche sales area for them (are they going to do pastes etc ?) I would think if anyone could give it a go then it would be M&S. Can't wait for the TV ad...Take That doing a bit of decorating perhaps ?

Wallpaper of the Week - Clean and Crisp Romo

http://www.romo.com/collections/wall-coverings/kenzan-wallpapers/simonii-wallpaper.html

You will no doubt have seen this wallpaper around over the past few years, however, its one of my personal favourites that I thought would be worth a mention. Its fresh and crisp and I would probably describe as a non fussy, non feminine floral.

From Romo, its become a bit mass market with the fabric being used for ready made cushions that are available on the high street. However, there are 12 colourways available so using one of the not-so-mass-market options alongside the complementing fabrics from the same collection (as shown above) will enable you to create your own individual scheme.

The image shown above is the linen/charcoal option that I came across when short-listing designs for a dining room scheme. The room is to retain its existing traditional dark oak furniture, with the chairs upholstered in a dark red leather. I believe that the use of this linen paper will keep the room quite formal but will make the room appear more modern in styling and more welcoming.

Its a very versatile design and yet again is one that I would recommend in one of the paler colours as a great paper to choose if its your first attempt at feature wall wallpaper. Its not going to take over a room and yet will add character and personal style. The other room that I would suggest this paper is ideal for is the bedroom, highlighting the wall behind the headboard.

Wallpaper of the Week - Masquerade Collection

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/collections/vymura/masquerade/565

Such a lovely vibrant (aka loud) collection to brighten things up on this cold, grey February morning. New from Vymura it the Masquerade Collection. The image above is of a pattern called Orianna available in three stunning colourways, deep purple, hot pink and silver. All of them laced with iridescent inks and glitter for stunning visual effects.

They are classic in design just brought bang up to date with the colour choices, enabling them to be used to maximum effect in both a traditional or modern setting.

Other papers within this collection include a large scale intricate damask, Adalia, a bold stripe version of Orianna and a Filigree which I have to admit that I personally question its cohesion.

All very reasonably priced at £16.99 a roll, if you are looking for a feature wall to add a bit of life to a drab grey day then this is definitely a collection to consider.

Wallpaper of the Week - Fashion

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/products/ferm-living/fashion/71618

A quirky one for you this morning, its from a collection by Ferm Living and is called Fashion. Featuring rows of models with a whole host of accessories, striking various 'catalogue' poses !

The black and white makes an ideal focal point for a monochrome scheme that I would keep to a modern property. Ideal for a hallway or those rooms where you can get away with it....the good old downstairs loo springs to mind. On the flip side, it would look stunning in a modern double height room where you would be able to drop huge long lengths. Also to be considered would be commercial use, whether that be in an office, reception area or shop....quite versatile really...

Wallpaper of the Week - Playtime Collection

http://www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk/collections/casadeco/playtime/558

I find children's wallpaper can be quite tricky to select. There are lots of cars and fairies around but this new range from Casadeco caught my attention initially because of the little Japanese Harajuku lady (she reminds me of the lovely Momji collection). On looking into it further, I found that not only did they have 'tasteful' papers and boarders for girls but also for boys.

The range has 5 options in total Deers, Huts, Hills, Hearts and Japanese (as shown above) with supporting papers to complement such as a delicate all over floral design and a simple stripe. All equally desirable that I have failed to choose one as a wallpaper of the week and instead gone for Wallpaper Range of the Week. Its the attention to detail that makes it for the me, the bird sat on the Deer's antlers and the little ducks swimming in the pond on the hill.

It goes without saying that I would suggest using them in a children's bedroom or playroom and don't really think they would work any further afield. Pricing wise they are £20 per boarder and £21 per roll for wallpaper, not the cheapest but would probably have a longer life than a more specific character wallpaper that may get grown out of sooner.

New Years Resolution ..2010...

Its late I know (what are we about the 9th January ?) but that is kind of in keeping with my 'Resolution'...note the singular... for 2010.

In the run up to Christmas we were mad busy, doing the things that people who work in retail do and transforming our house back from building site to family home. Christmas Day arrived (was fab - ate turkey in PJs) then we packed up and went down to Torquay for a few days into the New Year.

All this time I had a niggle at the back of my mind that I hadn't had chance to do 'my plan'. I'm a control freak ...I quite openly admit it ...I need to know what's going to happen and when and therefore, I need to plan. I needed to get straight in my mind what it was that I was going to focus on at the the start of the new year, start of the new decade. I was mentally conjuring up a resolution list that would resemble more of an update on the business plan with my life splattered around the edges.

It got to New Years Eve, we had left the small people with M-i-L (thank you x) and we had the whole afternoon to ourselves...TIME...The others were hitting the local tourist shops but instead we got on the tiny ferry across the very cold and choppy River Dart and wedged ourselves into the corner of a very lovely, very busy, very tiny pub (in the daytime !!) "Right" I thought "GB can hit the papers, I'll attempt my plan" But, it was just so lovely having time to sit there and talk about nothing important (why SJP is striking in appearance and who was too skinny in Grazia), munching on ham, chips and egg and drinking me'spritzer, that I didn't want to plan, I wanted to enjoy the moment, enjoy the time.

It goes so fast, I know there are so many cliches about it going quicker when you get older, have kids etc etc but I had struggled over the course of 2 weeks to find 20 minutes to sit down with a pen and paper. It struck me that the priority had to be to sort out my time balance.

Sunday 3rd January about 10.30pm I got round to it...I (while keeping half an eye on Daniel Craig on the TV) split out my average week allocating the current time split that I have across work, children, housework and me. An eye opener and a bit of a pathetic picture to tell you the truth...all housework and no fun making Sarah a very dull, boring and fed up person. But at least I had my plan of what I needed to change.

Tuesday 5th January, playing with the children after they had got home from school, childcare potentially over for the week due to weather forecasts and me still not getting round to achieving the me part of the revised time schedule and I thought what am I faffing about for ??? ...why don't I just lighten up and enjoy myself ?

So that's my Resolution ...I know my current balance is wrong I should be having fun not planning. I know I'm lucky and I don't always appreciate it (cue huge test of being snowed in for 3 days with 2 small people on my own not even able to get the pram out never mind the car). I know I feel better if I have lists going left, right and centre ...but I've decided I've got to challenge myself and every time I feel the need to list or plan or organise I'm just going to stop and enjoy myself instead. Life is passing by way too quickly for my liking at the moment and I want to make sure that 2010 is my happiest, longest year ...

(sooo tempted to add in 2.get fit 3.drink less Starbucks 4.increase business turnover by 50%....but am off to beat my 3yo on Super Mario Carts instead)

Words, Words, Words ...

I'm a fan of words...words to provoke thoughts, memories, smiles...

I was browsing (should really be drooling) over a whole host of new ranges that have launched recently and I couldn't help but pick up on this company. These are vinyl pieces that are added over the existing wall covering. I love the scale of these designs, as you can see from the entrance hall image they are not for shrinking violets... but they are removable (hmmm not sure I ever really trust that something is 'really' removable). There are a range of standard quotes or a bespoke service if you have something specific that you are looking for. They are also really adaptable to different rooms -"Rub-A-Dub-Dub" "Kiss the Cook" (sorry cheesey I know). Finally, the pricing, I always go on about what good value feature wallpaper is in comparison to wall art but it definitely deserves a mention in this case, ranging from £20 to £30 I'd say worth a try.

www.wallworddesigns.co.uk

I can't do a post about words without mentioning a personal favourite site The Keep Calm Gallery. (www.keepcalmgallery.com) I came across them in a Sunday Times editorial after they were the first people to relaunch the WWII print of the slogan Keep Calm and Carry On. I have then gone on to purchase numerous screen prints that are adorning the walls of Ivy House. Sitting here at my desk, I'm surrounded by their Eye Charts quoting various things from 'Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder' to 'Hindsight Is Always 20 20'. At one point I think I did have an addiction but they are 'different', lovely and so flexible to their surroundings.

Sorry for the slight weekend diversion ...back to wallpaper next week...