Ivy House Interiors

Wallpaper of the Week - Persephone by Clarissa Hulse for Harlequin

2012-02-07T12:29:00.003Z

Another week and another wallpaper... from the same Kallianthi Collection as last week but a gorgeous duck egg and silver paper called Persephone. The subtle but effective vertical stripes in the background colour are enhanced by a two tone silvery overlay of leaf patterns combining to give a stunning overall impact.

Its available in six different colour ways ranging from a quite heavy dark grey with mustardy lime leaves through a striking sage with shocking pink leaves to a gentle beige with silver and matt white. The extent of the variations adapt the paper from an 'in-your-face-wallpaper-wall' to a beautifully calm scene as the image shows above.

Wallpaper of the Week - Nettles by Clarissa Hulse for Harlequin

2012-02-02T16:38:00.005Z

Happy New Year !! ...yeah I know its February already and another year is flying by, so I thought it was about time that I pulled my finger out and shared with you some of my current favourites and you can ponder along with me as to where I can squeeze in this gorgeous paper ??

Now the image isn't showing it off to its best - I have applied to Harlequin for the room shot as believe me it really is stunning. The background has a subtle glimmer to it with a delicate matt texture added in the coloured print.....I *need* it !!

That said the whole collection is bloomin' gorgeous ! Its called Kallianthi and there are wallpapers and co-ordinating fabrics ranging from printed cottons to silks. The colours are so striking its just what you need to cheer everyone up on a freezing February day. I'll try and remember to add a few more over the next few weeks.

In the meantime if anyone would like a sample to see it for themselves please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Wallpaper of the Week - Shadows on the Wall - Chippendale by Tektura

2011-10-13T16:22:00.002+01:00

I know, I know ...its been far too long and only the second post this year !! oops where has the time gone ? But I'm back and with recent conversations (generally at the school gate) about wallpapers I thought I should stop ignoring my weekly schedule reminder and actually get on and publish a new Wallpaper of the Week !!

So here it is !! Its from a range by Tektura called Shadows on the Wall and I have used a number of their papers including this exact one on a project that I am currently working on. They are amazing prints as close up (specifically when you pull the sample piece out the envelope !!) you wonder what on earth you're getting. But, take a step back and you get an amazing depth and texture that I haven't been able to find from any other paper manufacturer.

Its available in Tektura's fantastic range of silvers, deep reds, bronze and inky blue. I have just used it in a lounge alongside a warm neutral wall colour and with a grey scheme on upholstery but it would also look amazing in a bedroom as a back drop to a feature headboard.

Right best dash (back to school gate again) but promise to keep blog up to date... if you've never peeked at the blog before please help yourself and have a good nose through the old stuff - most wallpaper but a few odd ramblings thrown in !!

Wallpaper of the Week - Bella by Tektura

2011-03-28T11:06:00.004+01:00

Its been a while I know (and sincere apologies to the M-i-L who is apparently bored of the previous post !!) but I have been in the very privileged position of being run off my feet with design work (yaay !).

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I had my first meeting with my lovely sales lady from Tektura. Now I haven't used commercial papers in the past but I had had conversations with Tektura at a Dulux conference and been really impressed and pleasantly surprised by their designs and finishes. The depth and detail that they are able to show in their patterns is amazing - and there it was, my wallpaper mojo had returned !

So this is my first offering, can you believe it, nearly in April and its the first Wallpaper of the Week of 2011 !! Bella by Tektura shown above in Turquoise but also available in a soft gold, silver and cream with co-ordinating plain papers too ! Now here's the science bit, the papers are non-woven fibres ie made of polyester and cellulose and the pattern is added in natural sand ! Yep, like you get on the beach (well its probably not taken out of an actual sandcastle but you get my drift)

I love the pattern, its not too damasky, not too florally, not to trailing but gives a great balance of pattern to background paper. The turquoise is obviously going to add a feature colour to a room but the alternative colours will work well as a neutral setting for any coordinating scheme.

If anyone is interested in using this or any of the other Tektura papers (www.tektura.com) then please give me a call and I would be delighted to help...

Image featured thanks to Tektura Wallcoverings

Wallpaper of the Week - Mimi by Harlequin

2010-10-18T09:21:00.005+01:00

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

2010-10-11T09:21:00.002+01:00

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

2010-10-03T21:40:00.004+01:00

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)

2010-08-16T15:04:00.003+01:00

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 *

2010-08-10T12:45:00.006+01:00

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

2010-08-02T16:13:00.008+01:00

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

2010-07-26T09:13:00.003+01:00

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

2010-07-22T09:28:00.005+01:00

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

2010-07-12T09:23:00.004+01:00

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....

2010-07-09T00:52:00.010+01:00

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

2010-07-05T09:37:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-28T10:19:00.005+01:00

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

2010-06-22T11:53:00.023+01:00

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 ....

2010-06-20T00:17:00.011+01:00

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

2010-05-30T21:12:00.003+01:00

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

2010-04-26T09:29:00.005+01:00

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)

2010-04-19T11:03:00.000+01:00

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

2010-04-06T15:47:00.006+01:00

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

2010-04-06T15:10:00.005+01:00

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

2010-03-08T21:59:00.005Z

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

2010-03-01T12:34:00.003Z

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 !

2010-02-15T10:41:00.008Z

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

2010-02-08T09:41:00.005Z

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

2010-02-02T11:42:00.004Z

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

2010-01-18T10:35:00.003Z

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

2010-01-12T14:58:00.008Z

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...

2010-01-09T14:04:00.004Z

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 ...

2010-01-07T20:38:00.019Z

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...

Wallpaper of the Week - Frosty Morning 2010

2010-01-04T10:14:00.005Z

http://www.cole-and-son.com/collection_detail.asp?collectionid=13

2010, Happy New Year !

It was difficult not to reflect back this New Years Eve to the Millennium and the amazing time that I had with my then newly acquired boyfriend, now Husband of 6 years in the sunny heat of Thailand. The climate was a bit different 10 years on, although spending NYE on the 'English Riviera' (always makes me chuckle, aka Torquay) was slightly warmer than the cold frosty weather that greeted me for the first school run of 2010.

As I drove my defrosted car, laden with small people bundled in coats, mittens, Father Christmas hats (he's become rather attached to it and it was easier to just go with it !) through the dark with the head lights glistening on the frosty roads and trees, I was reminded of the inverse print of one of the Cole and Son prints that I am continually looking to squeeze into designs.

No doubt you'll have seen this paper around in its original black-on-white colourway. Researching this morning, I didn't realise just how many variations they actually run, anything from reds and gold to various shades of beige. I'm sticking to the basics with my recommendation and this charcoally grey with frosted trees as it focuses on the pattern without overpowering with colour. Very adaptable and suitable for use as a neat little feature wall wherever takes your fancy from living room to downstairs loo and anywhere in between....

...wrap up warm and drive carefully..

White Chocolate and Cranberry Christmas Cheesecake

2009-12-14T08:27:00.004Z

OK, I know 1. its been a while ...I'll update on that in a seperate post (hopefully later this week) 2. The image is strawberry cheesecake and not the afore mentioned Chocolate and Cranberry cheesecake. But anyway, why am I writing about cheesecake on the blog ?

...The explanation....earlier this year I was 'discovered' on twitter by a great networking group called 'Mums the Boss'. One of the key pillars of their strategy (as Argos would have said), amongst it has to be said lots of other fabulous things such as raising awareness of charities and supporting business set ups and Mums working from home, is baking cakes ! (Yum) To celebrate this, they are organising a Christmas Baking Carnival http://www.mumstheblog.co.uk/2009/12/07/christmas-baking-carnival/ , the idea being that everyone blogs about their favourite Christmas cake and da daar...12 Bakes of Christmas....

I never baked...end of .. whatever I tried it just wasn't right, they flopped, they burst and covered the oven with gue or I forgot about them and they burnt. Until the arrival of my trusty friend the Aga. As part of educating me into how to use the Aga I went on a number of demonstration days - they are fab (even if you don't have Aga I would recommend them as you get to learn loads of recipes and eat lots of yummy food). One of the demonstrations was 'Christmas Made Easy', this to me previously meant do an Ocado shop and anything they don't have buy from M&S...oh how my cooking life was about to change ! It actually was easy and not too time consuming and the things that were time consuming you enjoyed doing anyway. So here is my Christmas Cheesecake recipe that even has the approval of my M-i-L who doesn't do deserts, just has a mouthful of everyone else's, so it can't be that bad! Hope you enjoy !

WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESE CAKE WITH CRANBERRIES

(Serves 6)

150g chocolate digestive biscuits, crumbled

50g butter

2 tubs of ricotta cheese

2 large eggs

200g white chocolate

300g fresh cranberries

120g caster sugar

1. Crumble chocolate digestives

2. Melt butter in a pan and add crumbled biscuits

3. Place biscuit mix into the bottom of a 20cm round spring form tin and pop in fridge to chill

4. Melt the chocolate

5. In another bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese and the eggs and then fold in the melted chocolate

6. Pour mixture on to of biscuit base

7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until or until set at around* 160 to 180 degrees or on the floor of a baking oven for the Aga

8. Whilst the cheesecake is baking place the cranberries in a pan with the sugar and cook gently until soft. Take off the heat and allow to cool

9. Pour the cranberry mix on top of the baked cheesecake and when cool release the sides of the tin

10 Serve with a little blob of cream - whichever takes your fancy...lush !

Wallpaper of the Week - Where has all the pink gone ??

2009-11-03T10:27:00.005Z

http://www.lauraashley.com/Cerise+Pinks/TATTON-WALLPAPER/invt/3406700

"There's bound to be loads", I thought, what little girl has not at some point in time asked for a pink bedroom ? I was needing to source a wallpaper for above a dressing table - just 2 drops to add a corner of luxury to a functional dressing room. I was looking for something striking, something luxurious, something glamorous, something girlie ....it just had to be pink !

So I started with my usual haunts (as GB commented the other day on one of the rare occasions that he read this blog "looks like you're sponsored by Graham and Brown"...but they just have the lushest papers !) ...serious shortage of pink ! Various other sources tried but nothing that would tick all of the boxes. There were pale pink butterflies, pale pink spots, pale pink fairies but what about a serious pink - a pink that would stop you in your tracks, catching your eye as you walked through the room perceived to be no more than 'storage space'.

Then I found it, in Laura Ashley, a shop I try to avoid but keep getting dragged back into. (Bad delivery experiences, shocking customer service and a risk that you can very easily date your room based on their key design for the year that they do to death.) Anyway, that said, they are doing pink..."Cerise"... its the serious pink range I was searching for, its grown up, it makes an impact, in classic designs, with lovely iridescent inks that unfortunately its difficult to show off screen .... more to the point they had stock in store so I was able to collect immediately !

I went for their Tatton design, which I have to admit appears to be this years 'Do it to death' design but its for use in a secret corner, met all of my requirements and more to the point its on Save 1/3 as well as giving a donation to the 'Think Pink' Breast Cancer campaign. ....Bring on the glamour !

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer/

Wallpaper of the Week - Vivienne Westwood Cut Out Lace

2009-10-26T09:10:00.013Z

http://www.cole-and-son.com/collection_detail.asp?collectionid=116

I know its a while since I've done a wallpaper of the week so I thought it was time to update you on a new range that I have fallen in love with !

I made the mistake of discovering that there is now a direct train from MK to the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour - its one of my favourite places, I just get all dizzy and excited with the sheer volume of scrumptious fabrics, delicious wallpapers and don't even get me started on the trims ! If you haven't been I'd definately recommend it as its open to the public Monday to Friday - its just where do you start ?

I started with my favourite wallpaper showroom - Cole and Son - I needed to place the order for the flamingo's ! I was on the hunt for a paper to go behind an upholstered headboard to make a feature wall in a master bedroom - in my mind this had always been a dark paper, taupe, chocolate, coffee ...for no particular reason it just had been. I was so focused on the pink birds that it wasn't until I was walking out of the showroom on a mission to visit Romo fabrics and match some linen's that the Vivienne Westwood Cut Out Lace literally made me stop in my tracks !

I have searched and searched for an image of this paper that does it justice and I'm afraid that the ones I have shown just don't show it off to its lushest ! (On the advert above its the second dress in) As soon as I have it in situ I'll post a photo in the meantime the link above will probably be your best bet.

Its called 'Cut Out Lace' and is available in 3 colourways, Charcoal Black, Off White Linen (shown above) and Ecru and Taupe. The design was apparently first used in her Spring-Summer '07 I Am Expensiv collection, developed from a fragment of antique lace. Despite searching for a darker paper I was instantly drawn to the Off White Linen that had a full wall of the showroom dedicated to it.

The colours and shades representing the lace, give the paper a depth and texture that is almost 3D. From some lights the overall feeling is that this is quite a light coloured paper with a few darker accents but from other angles you almost feel yourself getting sucked in ! It was love at first sight. I did the usual, spend the rest of the day trying to find an alternative but there was nothing for it ...decision made !

...sorry I know its just a wallpaper, I'll shut up and go and do some measuring up or something !

"Shall I just keep out of it and put the kettle on ??" ...."ooh that sounds like a good idea !"

2009-10-19T14:09:00.007+01:00

We are on week 6 of the works on IvyH. That's 6 weeks of sleeping in the spare room. 6 weeks of dust sheets on the stairs. 6 weeks of no wallpaper on the wall's revealing an interesting combination of pinky / lilac and chocolate brown in the hall that I've now stopped noticing ! 6 weeks of "water's going off" 6 weeks of battling to clear up any dangerous clips of electric cable, carpet grips, random nails that prove attractive to 3 year olds ! ...6 weeks of me getting the teas in !!

As I am now thinking of adding this to my answers in the 'What is your Profession ?' box....Interior Designer, Mummy, Tea Lady....I thought I would share my tips on 'keeping everyone suitably refreshed' ! So here goes :

1. Before they arrive do a shop, you will need the following items :

1. Tea bags - lots

2. Catering pack jar of coffee

3. Milk

4. Sugar - I can't remember buying the previous bag - I'm on my second bag since they started work !

5. A small plastic tray - its not good trying to lug around a standard size one when you are squeezing along a landing dodging the decorators scaffold and the electrician's hidden among the floor boards - there just isn't the elbow room ! Mine is about 15cm by 25cm cost a couple of quid from Ikea and can fit 4 mugs on quite nicely.

6. A selection of cheap multi coloured stoneware mugs. There are a number of reasons for this one :

(1) How many men do you know who could tell you how much an Emma Bridgewater mug costs and therefore, why it should be treated with a little bit of respect ? Don't risk your everyday mugs its just not worth giving yourself something else to worry about.

(2) If you get different colour random mugs you can assign each person a mug dependent on their coffee / tea / number of sugar combinations removing any confusion as to which cup has 6 sugars and which one has 4 - allowing you to speed up your making and delivery time.

I'm not talking about a major investment I got 4 different coloured ones (quite nice shades of taupes, creams, charcoals aka white, mud and grey !!) for £1.50 each in John Lewis so there are definately some bargains to be had out there if they can do them for that price.

2. Frequency of Refreshments : I've assigned the following times as a suitable balance of frequency and quantities of liquid :

(1) On arrival 8.15am

(2) 10am - keep those sugar levels up

(3) 12.30 to go with lunch

(4) 3pm who doesn't need a 3pm nudge !

3. Cakes ! Cakes are for Friday's only as there is no way that I could give out cakes and not join in myself ! The exception being birthday's - I don't go in for the singing but Small1 is usually happy to oblige.

This was supposed to be a blog about where the works are up to but it seems I may have been brain washed into having the same priorities as the builders...talking of which its 15.05 so I'd best dash back to the kitchen !

Ideas, Hints and Tips for Choosing Children's Bedroom Schemes

2009-10-15T20:05:00.014+01:00

More than any other room, I get the most queries about children's bedrooms - must be the company I keep ! (A sign of a certain age bracket...the 1st houses are done....the hen nights and weddings slowing down ...time to join in the school run rather than the rat race !) So I thought what I would do over the next few weeks would be to come up with some ideas, hints and tips that would hopefully be a start at helping with these queries ..I say over the next few weeks I thought of this 3 weeks ago and it was my priority for Monday this week - its now Thursday and its dark outside !

So, first off a few thought provokers :

Think about how quickly they change their mind on favourite toys and how quickly they grow out of clothes ? The same could happen if your scheme is too focused. Choose an adaptable base. Go for neutrals, especially for carpets and probably the majority of the walls using your accessories to provide the 'story'. One wall of feature wallpaper or colour is easily enough updated without incurring a massive cost when all of a sudden your 4 year old declares that princesses are for babies ! (I daren't mention Hannah Montana !) Having a neutral base enables the room to grow with the child or change its function without too much upheaval, emotional or financial !
Think storage, storage, storage - Its Father Christmas, Birthday's, hand-me-downs etc etc they seem to be magpies when it comes to 'stuff'. Priority should be easy to use i.e. can you throw in toys from the middle of the room enabling a full room clear up during the time it takes for them to come up with the excuses as to why they couldn't possibly help you tidy up the mess that they have created because their belly button hurts / their teddy bear has not cleaned its teeth properly / they are listening to the nee nor going past / they are busy practicing their yoga tree ? The slide in fabric drawers are a fantastic option, a sort of easy-aim toy filing system. Never under estimate the amount of storage you'll need and always have some under-bed-on-wheels-boxes ...if nothing else it removes the option of them hiding under there when they are supposed to be getting in the bath !
If the child is old enough to speak they are probably old enough to have an opinion - you need to choose whether you are going to go along with it or 'tweak it' but remember if you have asked their opinion they will remember their answer. This could then go a few ways, they'll either stick to their guns until the end of time, probably when the answer didn't meet with your approval or change their minds on a daily basis....in our current building site I asked Small1 what colour he would like the bathroom to be ? Blue! The look on his face when the bath was delivered ..."but its white Mummy I'm having a blue bathroom"... Manage their expectations, if yours are anything like Small1 the whole world will get told the plans, rather like birthday parties ! Let them know that if they have asked for blue that there will be some bits that are blue but some bits that are other colours too !
Try not to be too precious about it - after all it is 'their space' and when they insist on lining up a row of dolls in order of 'which-doll-is-best-friend-with-which' rather than your 'predetermined-colour-co-ordinated-height-order' you may just have to learn to live with it! This said, there are some practical times when you need to stick to your guns ...when they decide that the dress-up clothes stand "needs" to be within arms reach of the bed so they can jump out of the PJ's into the Spiderman outfit before you've had chance to realise, then refusing to take it off to go to school / granny's / Tesco's ! All I'm saying is choose your battles wisely.
Choose where you spend and where you save - if you are reading this you are probably quite house proud (or my Mum, not saying that she isn't house proud too) - and yes its one of those great rooms to work on, you can really get your teeth into co-ordinating this that and the other ...before you know it you can spend a couple of hundred quid on 'matching accessories'...your 2 year old will really appreciate the £8 you spend on the light switch cover that has a car on it because it will clearly be him that can reach up the 5 foot to switch the light on and off ...however, you will really appreciate the extra investment that you made getting the curtains black-out lined, meaning that you get the extra sleep in the mornings when the clocks change ! (I know the blackout lining will cost more than £8 but all the £8's add up scarily quickly !)

So, now we've covered a few ground rules what do you actually put in the rooms....well that's next on my To Do List ...and I'll get back to you right after I've re-ordered the Thomas the Tank Engine Trains into numerical order!!....first up ...Girls Rooms....

"New, No Faff, Interior Design for Everyone"

2009-10-12T08:58:00.007+01:00

http://www.hogstyend.co.uk/Images/Ivy%20House%20Interiors%20Oct%2009.pdf

Just thought I'd update everyone on a promotion that I'm currently running in order to trial a slightly different approach to Interior Design.

I've become very aware over the past few months after speaking to various people, that there is a perception that 'Interior Design' is out of most people's reach, generally for financial reasons. I have decided that my latest mission is to banish this myth !!

My first step was to come up with an offering that is straight forward, self explanatory and with absolutely no room for any concerns over hidden costs. I took some 'inspiration' from the high street and similar to the likes of Laura Ashley and Fired Earth I have put together a package based around a 'Room Scheme'. Basically you show me the room, tell me what you like and don't like and I'll produce you a board displaying a choice of paint colours, wallpapers, upholstery fabrics, cabinet furniture, accessories etc etc as required. Quite straight forward really ?!

Next step was to call on the help of our fantastic local trade handbook 'The Hogsty End Handbook' (Hogsty End was the original name for Woburn Sands) and I have taken a double page advert that you can see from the link above.

The advert is launching the scheme with a £50 saving for all enquiries made before the 31st December 2009 and I thought it only right that I offered it to blog readers too ...that's an entire room planned out for you with no weekends spent dragging the begrudging other half around the shopping centre looking for curtains or blinds, no Sundays spent in Homebase spending a fortune on paint tester pots only to come home and find that you already had most of the colours from the last room that you decorated ! Just hand over the room to me and I'll get on the case on your behalf !

Call 07711 293320 for more details, thank you, SB

Can't think of wallpaper ..only of mayhem !

2009-09-14T09:39:00.003+01:00

First day back from holiday, mountains of washing, ironing etc etc oh and a houseful of workmen ! Its 9.40 and I've only made one round of drinks but feel the next one may be expected.

In a change from the norm I thought that I would forego another week of Wallpaper of the Week - sorry none last week either as I was in cloudy Greece ! - and bring everyone upto date on the plans for my current project as I'm bound to be wittering on about it enough over the next few weeks !

This project is slightly different to others that I undertake as its my own house. Whether that makes it easier or more difficult I'm yet to decide. When working on your own project its tempting to fall into the trap of tweeking things as you go along rather than getting all of your plans really really clear and sticking to them. I'm being a bit more take it as it comes with this job and that has already entailed an entire day trapsing round various plumbing suppliers looking for someone who stocks in a 3 way shower valve - lesson learnt !

So the job ... replace en suite, block in doorway that leads off the landing into en suite (random), replace family bathroom, block in window from bathroom onto landing (also random), put fireplace back into master bedroom, decorate en suite, dressing room, bedroom, bathroom - inlcuding flooring, curtains, blinds etc. Then because of the structural doorways and windows we need to do the hall stairs and landings (2 of them) including replacing 57 spindles and staining the handrail - a job I have decided to undertake myself. Add into this renovating the original 1904 sash windows - ahem note the renovators have yet to arrive ! - and the jobs a good 'en !

My personal jobs today have included dustsheeting my 8 foot high bookcases as I'm refusing to clear them and plastic sheeting over the children's bedroom doors to try and minimise the number of nights spent listening to wheezy children over the baby monitors.

....will keep you updated on progress and add a few piccy's along the way but for now the tray of empty mugs has been delivered back into the kitchen ...think thats a hint !

WEEK 13 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-09-01T11:19:00.006+01:00

http://www.cole-and-son.com/collection_detail.asp?CollectionID=11

(you'll need to scroll to the right on the option below the main image to find the flamingo's - they won't let me do a direct link)

Tomorrow, the carnage begins ! After closing the door to IvyH behind the builders 19 months ago it has taken us this long to build up the courage to open it again. Tomorrow, what has been entitled "The Final Push" begins ! Out with 2 bathrooms, one doorway, one window, one bare brick wall, 57 spindles in the staircase and don't forget the hideous orange wallpaper that we've put up with in our bedroom since moving in over 4 years ago ! and in with .... yep you've guessed it - THE FLAMINGO'S !

I thought it may take more convincing than it did but GB has agreed (and he was given alternatives) that to have these Cole and Son Flamingo's living in our new 'grown up' ensuite will make a great feature wall. I'm sooo excited - about the wallpaper - not about the 3 month schedule of work that lies ahead of us !

Although I'm choosing to hide them away and keep them as my own secret luxury, I'll be making a habit of showing them off to people so maybe if others were to use them they might choose a more visitor friendly feature wall ! We've gone for the original pink flamingo's on the grey background to sit alongside the white suite and black floor tiles. Definately feature wall only - available in a range of colours, click on link to see more.

Off to take photo's for the 'before' shots, then get packing - everything into boxes hopefully to be taken out again this side of Chistmas !

Home is ...where there are memories ?

2009-08-26T09:34:00.005+01:00

At 11.30am yesterday, at the end of a drive, at the bottom of a quiet cul-de-sac, a 33 year old could be seen swinging on a not particularly substantial wrought iron gate. Look more closely and behind the oversized sunglasses, tears were trickling down. For 33 years I had been told "not to swing on the gates" but this was the last time I was going to be able to disobey this rule.

My Grandma and Grandad lived about a mile away from the home in which I grew up. They were closer to school than we were. Looking back their house was simply a detached and slightly removed extension of my home...only in my memory (with the exception of swinging on the gates) we could get away with more there !

My memories of "26" as it is affectionately known are endless...playing bus on the stairs, putting rollers in Grandad's diminishing hair, dressing up in Grandma's hats, scarves, shoes ...., eating artic roll...I could go on...More than anything the lasting memory is playing "house" in their back garden on a paved area tucked behind the garage, surrounded by a make-shift low level wall made up of bits of broken paving slabs. See we had imagination - and a yellow melamine tea set !

I walked around "26" yesterday replaying all of these happy times and was struck that this really was a home. The decor may not be to my taste but even if I had gone with my work head this wouldn't matter. What is important is that for nearly 60 years this building had provided a base for my Grandma and Grandad to bring up my Dad and Uncle, welcome my Mum into the family and then continue to look after the generations with me and my Sister calling in to wreck the place every Wednesday after school.

I was reminded that although I can try my hardest to create beautifully decorated houses for people to live in, it takes memories to be created there before it can be called a home.

WEEK 12 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-08-24T10:47:00.003+01:00

Grandeur by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen : 50003 : Graham & Brown

After last weeks rather 'loud' scheme I thought I would return to a more sedate offering this week. Designed by someone who probably wouldn't instantly come to mind as sedate, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has surprised me with this paper. A leafy flowing print, its calming and swirly and easy to look at (not adjectives used to describe the designer himself !)

Its your traditional wallpaper walls for this one, so hallway, living room, dining room or bedrooms. But saying that it is very flexible to a whole host of styles of houses or apartments. Its also going to be relatively straight forward to add into either an existing scheme or create a new scheme around it due to the neutral tones that it uses.

In fact I would say that if its your first trip into the wonderful world of patterned wallpaper then this is a good place to start. To put it into context its about £30 for a 10 metre roll and you won't need any other pictures / prints / accessories on the wall, just a packet of wallpaper paste and you're done ! You're going to make an impact but its not going to be possible to get it too scarily wrong.

My All Time House Wish List...

2009-08-18T10:16:00.003+01:00

Porta Romana - Table Lamps

I know its a Tuesday and I don't usually ramble on at you all on a Tuesday but I'm attempting to clear my desk and came across an image of this table lamp to be stuck on my board that is reserved for the things that "I really really want". I personally think this lamp has everything. The shade is great proportionally and in such a timeless colour that it will go absolutely anywhere. And as for the base well it ticks all my boxes, quirky, interesting yet unobtrusive....just thought I'd do a 'Show and Tell' (I spend too much time with 3 year olds !)

WEEK 11 -WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-08-17T10:31:00.006+01:00

Funky Floral by British Design Talent : 50015 : Graham & Brown

Yep its loud ! You're definately not going to miss this one, but its so 'happy' that I couldn't resist it ! Not for the feint-hearted or those prone to hang-overs but definately one for the young or young-at-heart. It needs to be used alongside furniture, fittings and accessories that are going to complement it not contrast with it. In that sense its not going to be the easiest of papers to use as you will need to be strict with yourself or its going to look a mess ...basically !

I'd go for the room grouping of girl's bedroom, family bathroom (make sure you Polyvine it to prevent it curling or staining) and utility room perhaps ? I like a quirky scheme in a utility room (mine is currently bright blue and I mean bright !) they tend to be easier to dress in a fun way than a kitchen and its always nice to open the door to the engine room of your house and find yourself smiling at your secret scheme than feeling glum at the amount of washing and ironing you have to wade through !

WEEK 10 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-08-10T09:07:00.003+01:00

Fracto by Umbra : 60045 : Graham & Brown

This is so lovely and fresh, so much going on but done in a classy way. I love the green, it would be great in a room that gets the morning sun, preferably opening out on to a garden. Its so light and clean and works well when placed in a neutral scheme and teamed up with lots of fresh brilliant white woodwork.

Its going to make a feature without taking over and dominating and I love the addition of the sparkly cushion in the image above as it really sets the whole scheme off.

I would recommend this for a reception room as I mentioned earlier, if possible one that links to the outside world. So a feature wall of kitchen / dining room or a solid wall in a conservatory would suit it perfectly. Hmmm but thinking about it, alongside a squidgy satin quilt in ivory and a few sparkly cushions piled up on top of a bed it would look equally as lush in a bedroom - ooh decisions decisions...

WEEK 9 - WALLPAPER OF WEEK

2009-08-03T10:43:00.005+01:00

Damask by British Design Talent : 14706 : Graham & Brown

Back to my roots this morning, a damask print, a classic ! This particular damask has such a lovely colour and scale. The lilac and charcoal colours give off a warming feeling in a colour scheme that despite being modern is not going to date easily.

I would use it wherever it will fit ! Unfortunately despite being beautiful its not that flexible. Its not going to be suitable for a low level building due to the height requirement for the rather large pattern repeat. But, give it a lovely high ceiling, preferably with a picture rail, good old pure brilliant white above the picture rail and on the skirtings and you've got yourself a stunner !

This is a definite contender for IvyH, I'm thinking behind the headboard in the master bedroom and if the living room hadn't recently been decorated it would be shortlisted for the feature wall in there....I do love a good damask !

WEEK 8 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-07-27T12:10:00.003+01:00

Trippy by British Design Talent : 15195 : Graham & Brown

Woah there Mrs B - I've just taken us all on a dizzy trip back to the year of my birth! I thought I'd go for a complete change, something to wake us up on this grey Monday morning (just). Yep its retro and its orange ...and I'm back there in 1980 with our orange washing up bowl, brown kitchen tiles and avocado bathroom suite. But this is bringing it right into 2009.

I would go dining room with this one, on one wall, with dark brown wooden furniture, if you can source it then you want the real thing, 1970's originals. I've gone dining room rather than living room as you don't want too much else in there to around it and dining rooms do tend to be rooms that we are better at not cluttering. You can tone it down by using it alongside a very neutral scheme letting the wallpaper do the talking or you can complement it by adding accessories (as shown in the picture) to highlight it further.

Not for the faint hearted, not for a period home, but if you're brave enough its going to look fab !

"Woman in Business" ...or am I just playing house ?

2009-07-20T10:12:00.008+01:00

So this is me...sitting at my desk...as I am right at this moment.

I have to admit that the contents of the desk are slightly different today... The stack of four Starbucks paper cups are looking like some kind of mini modern art sculpture but are more representative of a secondary school science project...The hair is scraped back in a Monday-morning-get-the-smalls-to-school-quick-before-they-stop-serving-breakfast knot but its still me 'working' all the same.

The photo was taken last week for an editorial that I was asked to feature in the Bedford Times and Citizen. ( http://bit.ly/K9Y2p ) When I was initially contacted I was enticed by the discounted advertising rates and the fact that they had contacted me and not the reverse, meant my message was getting out. The paper had 'found' me as a result of being a member of the networking group 'Mums the Boss' (http://www.mumstheboss.co.uk/) they're fab - look at the site, read the blog, follow on twitter.... All of the small but numerous things that I had been busily working away at to try and get various marketing plans underway with my limited marketing budget were actually starting to lead to something.

Or am I just playing ?....Do you have those moments when you don't feel real ? When you wonder where the time went and how you got from where you were to where you are ?

At times I can't actually believe that I am Mum to not just one but two gorgeous little small people, real people ...no longer a "Paul" doll and a Cabbage Patch Kid. I have a house, a proper house, not a Wendy house built with plastic poles that we could roll down the garden. (I have the mother of all mortgages to go with the proper house but am not sure there was a childhood equivalent of that in the early 80's !). And I now have a business, my own business, my own responsibility, not a little pretend shop with my Casdon cash register that had to be turned upside down to get the numbers to go back down, but a proper business delivering a service to clients, hopefully making people happy in their surroundings.

So to then discover that my editorial was to be featured under the header of "Women in Business" was scary on a few fronts. "Women" surely I'm not old enough yet to be classified as a "Woman" yet ? "Wannabe" yeah, but at what age do I / did I become a "Woman" ?

And "Business" ...well I consider myself incredibly lucky on that front. I don't think of my work as a business. Business was my 'Previous Life', managing millions and the stress and long hours that goes with it. Ivy House Interiors is a love, its a dream and having lived the two lives how the two can ever be related I'll never understand.

So, I may have been titled a "Woman in Business" but I feel more like "Little Sarah being a very happy 33 year old". (33 ...can you believe it ?)

WEEK 7 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-07-06T16:29:00.004+01:00

Mackintosh Rose by Hemingway : 16088 : Graham & Brown

Its just so lovely and ...round ! I've got a thing for really tight flower heads, roses, peony's etc (blimey that makes me sound like a right green fingered little thing - I'm not !) I think its just because I like things to look neat and this wallpaper has it all for me. Its classy, simple yet has so much impact and will go with any colour scheme you fancy.

And the weekly question of where would I put it ? Anywhere, well pretty much. Think it would be best used as a feature wall in living room, or behind the bedhead in a master or guest bedroom.

To complement it add chocolates, taupes then probably go for a few bold contrast pieces such as cushions in a striking duck-egg, a shocking pink or a crisp white.

WEEK 6 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-07-06T15:56:00.007+01:00

Eco Highway by Central Saint Martin's : 17768 : Graham & Brown

I love this -yep I know another one, I just can't help myself ! This has a bit of a 'do-good' story behind it, the designer was looking to encourage children to think about their carbon-footprint (probably a bit deep for most but I suppose we have to start somewhere). The futuristic cars apparently run on milk rather than petrol...wouldn't it smell ? especially in the summer ?

I like it because its a children's design that doesn't look like its been taken straight off the pages of CBeebies Weekly. The colours make a nice change from the typical 'Blue for a Boy', although that said a navy bedding scheme would go really well with this.

So is it limited to a boy's bedroom ? I don't think it is - I think it would also work well for 'slightly older' boys for a quirky twist in a study with white gloss furniture and grey accessories. Let me know your thoughts...feedback always appreciated

WEEK 5 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-07-06T11:10:00.006+01:00

Taylor and Wood - Frames by British Design Talent

Something a bit different this week - I first saw this paper a few years ago and I still think its such a great original idea. Basically the paper is white but covered with back-to-back picture frames just waiting for budding artists to fill them with whatever design they like. Slight concern, especially living with a 3 year old, is how you would tell a small person they could draw on this wall but not others, but hey a small price to pay for what would end up looking like an amazing display of bespoke original artwork !

Where would it go ? More like where wouldn't it go ? I'd choose hallway (who needs a visitors book when they can leave a comment of a different kind) a downstairs toilet (for a bit of graffiti like the old school toilets) or a family room / play room somewhere where the personality of the house can really shine through.

I'm getting all excited about it - you could have a wallpaper / house warming party and get all the guests to fill a box with a drawing or bring something to stick in it. You could simply add photos...ooh the possibilities are endless !

WEEK 4 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-06-29T10:19:00.004+01:00

Wallpaper Direct - Bergmasque

This week I have been looking for a wallpaper for a 'Fairy Princess Bedroom'. My Small2 has her first birthday this week and I have to admit that I have been looking forward to creating a little girl's room since we found out that the bump was a 'she'. There are literally hundreds of specially designed children's wallpapers featuring fairies, princesses, stars, spots etc etc and butterflies ... I'm sorry but I just don't get butterflies I think I'd be trying to squat them - anyway, personal preferences and all that ...back to business.

The paper that I have chosen above is actually a "sugar pink flock on a pale opal base" and it has a shimmer (If only I could get a touchy feely blog to let you all see it in real life). probably not what you would first think of for a small girls bedroom, but place it on a feature wall with a soft pink and neutral colour on the other walls. Add in white painted furniture (I'm loving the sleigh bed in Aspace), a sparkly chandlier, some floaty white curtains, a pretty pink and white bed throw and some shimmery cushions.

Hmmm... Small2 will probably request 'Teletubbies' and I'll have to move into that room instead - shame !

That Friday Night Glass of Wine ...

2009-06-26T13:41:00.008+01:00

What is it ? That moment when the wetness ripples like the ebb of a stream across the tongue. The clean, cool, crispness of the honey-like substance, refreshing and tingling in the mouth, effervescing against the taste buds.

Or is it the fact that in the inhalation before taking the very first sip, just three words come into the mind "its the weekend". The next few moments are mine, all mine, to savour alone. One of the few things that a Mummy can have to herself.

Mine is already in the fridge, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (Ara Composite), way below the recommended temperature just as I like it. So as Pete Tong announces the weekend, as he does at 7pm every Friday in our house, to shouts of '"Are You Dancin'?" from small1, I will be swinging open the fridge door and enjoying my Mummy moment - enjoy yours x

Leaving behind the 'previous life' and trying to live the Ivy House values ...

2009-06-22T12:40:00.010+01:00

Some weeks ago I gave Ivy House Interiors some values (see earlier blog post below) and I've realised in the last day that what I have set as my company values aren't currently the personal values by which I live my life. I'm there with most of them but what I hadn't realised was that more than 2 years after leaving the corporate environment, how much I was still brainwashed into a 'must deliver as soon as possible at all costs' mind-set.

I made my decision to leave the rat-race while travelling in the back of an ambulance with Small1 at 3am one Saturday in December. I can't remember having a 'defining moment' ever before but this certainly was one. I had returned to work 6 weeks earlier and in the space of those 6 weeks, Small1 was on his 3rd hospital admission after developing pneumonia. As I sat in the back of that ambulance opposite his tiny little face, smothered in an oxygen mask, I was trying to remember what was in my work schedule for the coming week and how I was going to fit everything in around being in hospital 40 miles from home - then like the biggest coldest wettest slap in the face ever possible, I looked up and (I'm now blubbing) there he was, my baby. By the time we got out of the ambulance at the other end I met up with GB and that was it - from that moment on my life had changed. My family are my priority and it was a great opportunity to follow my new found love of interior design. How lucky am I ?!

So why 2 and a half years on have I taken myself back to that ambulance journey ? Well, small2 has the chicken pox ('pops' as they are know in our house). My first thoughts, after berating myself for thinking we had got away with it (Small1 had them 21 days ago), was everything that I had planned to do with regards to the business this week and how it was going to have to be done in the evenings / nap times and how I was going to have to re-arrange a meeting that I was really looking forward to. Cue 2nd biggest coldest wettest slap in the face !

I am still very ambitious and I am going to make this business work. It will deliver both the results for the customers and the WAHM lifestyle to be able to support the family. But that's just it - and I'm being honest - my family will come first and poor spotty, grizzly birthday girl-to-be is my priority. The values that I set were customer facing and I've realised that GB, small1 and small2 are more than deserving of the same treatment. So as I sit here, on the landing outside her bedroom, I have remembered how lucky I am ...and the fact that I am my own boss means that if I need to launch my new website next week rather than this week, then that's what will happen ! ...please bare with us it will be worth the wait.

WEEK 3 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-06-15T10:46:00.000+01:00

Wallpaper Direct - Dandelion Clocks

I've been searching wallpaper books for backgrounds to use on the website ...watch this space ! and came across this design which I have fallen for big time ! My 'usual' preference is currently for sparkly damask prints but this one has really caught my attention. (Have just done a wander round IvyH to see where I could squeeze it in !)

I love the raspberry with the grey and the pattern is striking and yet unoffensive. Yep its not going to be a classic that will live forever, but for the next few years I think it will be a great addition to any room.

So where would I put it ? A nice sunny kitchen / diner teamed up with grey linen and raspberry accessories or a living room alongside charcoal sofas - give it a try !

WEEK 2 - WALLPAPER OF THE WEEK

2009-06-08T15:19:00.000+01:00

Wallpaper Direct - Classic Brown

The brief for this week's wallpaper has come from a friend of mine Mrs P. She has a lovely modern home with a neutral base colour scheme and is looking to add a feature to a dining room that links through into a conservatory. The furniture in the dining room is a lovely chunky oak suite.

After trying out various colour schemes but remaining unconvinced, I have opted to recommend the attached wallpaper from the Raffi Collection.

This modern yet unimposing design will add interest and subtle colour variation to the neutral scheme. The glossy pale blue will work well in a room linking into the conservatory and out into the garden and the base colour will add a further tone to the neutrals without changing the overall feel of the room or making the space close in. I would then recommend the use of chocolate brown and pale blue cushions on the conservatory furniture and the dining chairs.

WEEK 1 - WALLPAPER OF WEEK

2009-06-01T08:34:00.000+01:00

Wallpaper Direct - Pembroke Duck Egg

This is a gorgeous colour and very easy to use damask design - for sentimental reasons I have choosen it as it was the first wallpaper that I used professionally - in my first showhome. I used this wallpaper in the lounge as a feature wall, sitting behind a shiny chocolate brown leather sofa.

WALLPAPER TIP OF THE WEEK

To co-ordinate the rest of the room take a small piece of your paper to a paint colour mixing place (Dulux or Crown Trade Centres or Homebase) and get them to mix you a colour to match your favourite part of the wallpaper design.

Welcome along ...

2009-05-27T15:23:00.000+01:00

I have itchy feet (bloomin' cold ones actual as its freezing today) while waiting for my website to launch, so I thought I'd cheat and skip to the next step and add a blog post first !

HMMM... THINK THEY'RE COMPANY VALUES ...

In preparation for the website launch I've been trying to come up with a brief for JW (my newly found web designer). So I decided to try and put into words what Ivy House Interiors means to me and what I want it to mean to others - from a non-design point of view - I suppose in a roundabout way what I have been developing are company values ...poor JW has got the thankless task of trying to take my garble and turn it into something that looks pretty, and funky,...and quirky,...and logical, ...and like the vodka site that I found !! So I thought that as a start point for the blog I'd share these company values - then you all have the right to keep me on my toes and point out should I ever not live up to them !

10 WORDS TO DESCRIBE IVY HOUSE INTERIORS

1. APPROACHABLE & FUN ... 2 words I know but they're my rules so I can break them
2. UNPRETENCIOUS ... preconceived ideas about Interior Designers perhaps ?
3. BRILLIANT ...you can thank Michael Heppell for that one (http://www.michaelheppell.com/)
4. HOMELY ...its about creating homes after all
5. PRACTICAL ...sometimes you just need someone to get the job done....
6. PROFESSIONAL
7. RELIABLE
8. HONEST...but lets face it if you are paying for something you want 110% service (hence 3 values)
9. DOWN TO EARTH ...I'm a Lancashire Lass at heart
10. FLEXIBLE ...we can't all wait in from 8am until 8pm at 2 days notice for the gas meter to be changed !!

That's it now published ...I have no escape route ! Off to 'live the values' and put the kettle on for a nice homely, down to earth cup of coffee (practical as cheaper than putting the heating on to warm me up)...at least I'm being honest !