H&M Home Wish List

I think it's clear by this point that I really can't resist the opportunity to do a little virtual window shopping, especially for homeware bits and pieces. Lately I've been using the excuse of moving house in the not too distant future as an excuse and I'm loving putting together mood boards for each room! 

I didn't really have too much of a plan in mind when I clicked onto the homeware section of the H&M site but in no time at all I'd filled my online basket and when I looked at it, it pretty much summed up how I want my living room! I'm planning on it being fairly neutral with a charcoal sofa and then pops of colour from soft furnishings etc. There are also going to be quite a lot of shelves either side of the chimney breast so there are quite a few bits which I think would look great up there! 

Mirror, £14.99

In my opinion no room is complete without a mirror or two as it adds so much light  and can make the space seem much bigger which is crucial in a cosy London flat! 

3-Pack Candles, £4.99

My candle obsession is well and truly out of control. I already have a cupboard full of ones I'm 'saving' for the move (crazy I know) but I can't resist. I love love love the grey and white geometric patterns on these ones! 

Small Porcelain Bowl, £4.99 

We're desperately in need of some new crockery when we move and I can't get away from the idea of having mix matched bowls! The contrast between the teal (one of my favourite colours) and the pop of metallic around the rim is so beautiful. 

Ceramic Plate, £6.99 

Every blogger on the planet seems to own something from the marble collection at H&M but with good reason! Marble is so simple, understated and chic and I for one cannot wait to incorporate some into our new place. The real question is what would I actually use this for...? 

3-Pack Plant Pots On A Tray, £14.99

Cacti appear pretty much everywhere throughout my flat, as does copper so why not combine the two!?

Scented Candle, £9.99

Candles and metallic combined, need I say more? 

Cotton Cushion Cover, £3.99

To add a pop of colour to our charcoal sofa we're going to have lots of brightly coloured cushions which we can switch around throughout the year and this mustard yellow one will be perfect! 

Where's your favourite place to shop for affordable homewares? 

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New Home Inspiration

It's been a little while since I did a little round up of my Pinterest faves as life kind of got away from me without me realising. I'm in the process of buying a flat so the process of that and all the little bits and pieces that need to be sorted out have taken over my life! But despite all the chaos I always find time for a little bit of Pinterest browsing to brighten up my day. 

We're going to have quite a bit of work to do when we finally get the keys for our first flat and I genuinely can't wait for it. The great thing about this is that now I have a space to personalise is that I can start gathering some inspiration for how I want the rooms to turn out. Before you know sizings etc it can be a little tough - at least thats was my experience. 

Home Office

Some kind of office space is something that is super important to me and yet can be quite a challenge in a small flat. I'd love to be able to dedicate an entire room to being a home office but that's just not an option at the moment so instead I'm going to have to create an inspiring office space in the corner of my spare bedroom. Not ideal but there's so much inspiration online so I know I'll get it just right! 

Kitchen

As is typical in a London flat our kitchen is going to be small, and I mean really small. The photo above looks positively palatial in comparison to what we'll have! But in my opinion this is just a new challenge for us to make the kitchen as user friendly as possible and still have enough storage for all of our bits and pieces. I absolutely love the dark wood floors in the above kitchen and am very tempted to get this type of flooring throughout our whole flat! 

Bedroom

Onto the main bedroom, as with the kitchen, storage is going to be super important to us here and I'm hoping that my amazing dad will be able to put together some built in storage for us which will take the worry out of that element. This means I get to focus on the fun stuff, making the room cosy and relaxing so it's the perfect place to wind down at the end of the day. I'm obsessed with upholstered headboards which add a little bit of luxury to the space. I also love the colour combination of the teal and grey so this will definitely be making an appearance somewhere. 

Living Room 

The biggest space in our flat is going to be the living room and so I can't wait to get in there and start to style it so it's perfect for us. A corner sofa is an absolute must for us as we want it to be a super comfy space with lots of space for everyone to put their feet up and relax. Essentially the above living room is pretty much my dream and I will definitely be trying to recreate it! My only addition will be a dining table but I'm hoping to find a beautiful extendable reclaimed wood one that will go perfectly with the style that I have in mind. 

Bathroom 

Last but not least, the bathroom. I'm a huge fan of a long relaxing bath so I would love to have a big bathroom with a free standing bath, big shower and beautiful sink & counter top. Unfortunately at this point that is going to have to remain a dream as our bathroom is the size of a shoe box... The one thing I will be able to have is a big rainfall shower which I am ridiculously excited for. I'm hoping that despite its small size we can still make the bathroom a luxurious space although at this point I'm not entirely sure how to do it... 

This whole process of buying our first property has been a rollercoaster. For months and months we were looking at flats and putting on an offer only to have it be declined as someone offered more. It was incredibly upsetting - particularly for me as I get emotionally involved pretty quickly. So, when we finally had an offer accepted and everything started to proceed with the solicitors I finally got the opportunity to get excited and I am loving it. All that's left now is to exchange contracts and pick up the keys!

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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Made.com Wish List

I can't believe it's less than a month until we are due to complete on our new flat! For months and months it felt like we were never going to find anywhere even close to our budget and then all of a sudden we have an offer accepted and they're talking completion dates! This is without a doubt the most exciting thing that I have ever done although also a little scary... 

But one of the many joys of buying your own place? Having a valid reason to spend altogether too much time browsing homeware sites to get inspiration for your new abode. As a Pinterest addict I already have lots of ideas in my head as to what I want the rooms to look like so now all I need to do is find the perfect affordable pieces, affordable being the operative word! However, after getting lost in the depths of the internet on more than one occasion, affordable homeware, or more specifically furniture can be more difficult to find than you might think! 

One of my favourite places to browse for furniture and home accessories has been made.com which although not altogether 'affordable' does stock some beautiful pieces and has given me a lot of inspiration and I'll be looking for dupes wherever I go now! 

1. Bourbon Vintage Storage Bench (£249) - the perfect hallway ottoman / bench! 
2. Cullen Marble Clock (£49) - no home is complete without a touch of marble and copper. 
3. Miller Floor Lamp (£129) - I have an obsession with tripod floor lamps so this is a must. 
4. Bari Corner Sofa Bed (£949) - a dark grey corner sofa isa must have for me and it would be such a bonus for it to double as a bed too. 
5. Tilt Rug (£249) - this would look beautiful on a dark reclaimed wood floor. 
6. The Rodnik Bank (£249) - cover up flooring you don't like with large rugs until you can afford to replace it. 
7. Stroller Desk (£379) - a home office area is a must for me but I'm also lusting a vanity table so this one that works for both is perfect! 

The next month cannot come fast enough in my opinion. I may have a million things to do between now and then to make sure that it all goes off without a hitch but it is so going to be worth it! I can't wait to share the transformation of my new place with you guys - I love interior design so finally having my own space is going to be the best! 

Where are your favourite places to browse for furniture and home accessories? 

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Sunday Saying {10}

This is my favourite place in the world, literally! I've been going to this quiet little village multiple times a year for my entire life and it's very much my home away from home. Look how beautiful it is - how could I not love it here! Whenever I'm having a bad day or just feeling  a bit down, imagining myself here always makes the biggest difference to my mood. So, whether it's a place, person or memory, think about something positive and see what a difference it makes! 

One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

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Sunday Saying {9}

Laughing is infectious, it's a rare occasion that if someone around you is laughing you'll be able to resist the urge to join in and that can't be a bad thing! Not only will laughing, and in turn smiling, brighten your day but it's also good for you!

Life is better when your laughing. 

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

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Sunday Saying {8}

You won't get anywhere in life by simply following the crowd and avoiding going out on a limb and doing something a bit different. Being different can be pretty daunting whether its in your professional or personal life but it's time to turn over a new leaf and have the courage to be yourself or stand up for what you believe in. Take the risk and see where you end up - it could just be the best decision you've ever made...

It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone.

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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Sunday Saying {7}

Blogging is an ever growing industry with thousands of new blogs starting up each and every day. Thanks to this, no matter how passionate you are about your blog it can be the hardest thing in the world to actually get noticed which can incredibly demoralising. 

If there's one thing I've learnt in a year of blogging its to ignore the number of page views or Bloglovin' followers - if I didn't I'd have stopped doing this months ago! Instead I keep going because I genuinely love this little corner of the internet and I don't need credit from some anonymous person on the other side of the world to give me motivation to keep going. I'm going to keep going because I want to!

Never stop doing your best just because someone doesn't give you credit. 

This can be applied to everything in life and I think it's an incredibly important lesson to learn and it'll make a huge difference, I promise.

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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Sunday Saying {6}

Remember that time you were having a really bad day, in fact scratch that, a really bad week? Yes, we've all been there and it sucks! But do you also remember the text / phone call / surprise coffee from your friend that brightened your day, gave you something more positive to focus on and finally got you smiling again? It's amazing how one small thing from someone you care about can make a world of difference.

Be the reason someone smiles today.

So today, be that person, reach out to someone you care about and make them smile - you never know how much that might improve their day.

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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Sunday Saying {5}

How has your week been? I can't believe we're already in March, how did this happen!? Yet again, another month has flown by in the blink of an eye. As it's Sunday again it's time for another Sunday saying...

It's not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters.

With Mothers Day just around the corner it's a reminder to show your mum just how much you love and appreciate her. However, don't forget that she, and everyone else in your life, deserves to be reminded of this each and every day. Try and do something nice for the people in your life as often as you can as you'll be amazed what a difference it will make to them.

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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Sunday Saying {4}

Being a 'yes person' can sometimes seem a little daunting as you know it's potentially going to involve saying yes to things that are a million miles outside your comfort zone but these can lead to the best experiences! So although it may not be in your original plan that doesn't mean you have to say no, you never know what might happen so just say YES! 

Be open to whatever comes next. 

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2 | 3

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Sunday Saying {3}

I hope you have all had yet another lovely week and that you enjoyed Valentines Day yesterday. When I was younger I used to hate Valentines Day especially if I wasn't in a relationship but now I have a new found fondness for the day. It's the perfect opportunity to show your love for all of your family and friends around you.

It all comes down to the last person you think of at night. That's where your heart is. 

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 | 2

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Sunday Saying {2}

I hope you guys have all had an amazing week and are having an even better weekend! What are you up to? I'm back at home with my parents this weekend and I think it's going to be the last time I'm in this house (that I've lived in since I was 18 months old) as they're moving house in March - sad times!

If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello. 

Although I am very sad that my parents are moving away from my childhood home there is a silver lining or two. Firstly, I'm super excited for my parents to be moving somewhere new and have a new challenge ahead getting the house exactly how they want it. Secondly, Matthew and I are currently in the process of buying a flat which is just beyond exciting! So although I'm saying goodbye to one house, I'm going to be gaining two new ones! 

Previous Sunday Sayings: 1 

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Sunday Saying {1}

I wanted to start a new series for 2015, I know I'm a little late but it's better late than never right? This series is just going to be a super quick post that goes up every Sunday morning.

Sometimes on a Sunday it can be tough to enjoy the day as you're dreading the start of the next week and going back to work so I'm planning on posting an inspirational quote or cute saying to brighten the day and give you something to think about for the upcoming week...

Don't look back. You're not going that way. 

It's all too easy to dwell on things that have happened in the past and let them negatively influence your day-to-day life. For the week ahead try and make a resolution to stop doing this and you'll be amazed at what a difference it will make.

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Autumn Luxe: Home

TIme for the third and final part of my first ever mini series and I think this might be my favourite one. Now don't get me wrong I love playing with my make-up, trying out new products and wrapping up in cosy accessories my favourite thing of all is always homeware, especially in autumn/winter. 

First things first, and in my opinion the most important, mood lighting. Although I love a bit of mood lighting all year round it can be a little irrelevant in the summer months when it stays light until 10pm. So, the one and only thing I like about the shorter days at the moment is being able to get in from work and immediately switch on the fairy lights, lamps and light some candles. 

I absolutely love these little moroccan style star lights. The filigree type detailing would give off the most beautiful soft light. I actually have 2 sets very similar to these but they're spheres so maybe these will be next on my list. Buy here

This lamp is literally perfection for me, the dainty copper legs and plain shade remind of the typical Scandinavian style which I would love to emulate in my flat, unfortunately I like my knick knacks a bit too much to fully commit to the minimalist style. Buy here

Fighting for top spot in terms of importance has to be blankets and cushions to keep you cosy when it's dark outside and you're snuggled up on the sofa having a Harry Potter marathon with your fairy lights twinkling away. 

Any chunky knit blanket is ideal for this time of the year, not only do they look luxurious draped over the side of the sofa, they're also a whole new level of comfy! We have far too many blankets in our house as apparently I don't share... Buy here

In addition to my many other obsessions, I also have a soft spot for cushions believe it or not and I've been on the hunt for some cute festive ones for the upcoming festive period and this one is perfect! Buy here

Onto a couple of little more random things. As you may know by now, I adore baking - it's my favourite thing to do to relax, and baking at Christmas is probably the best as you do everything in adorable shapes! When it comes to shapes for biscuits you can't go wrong with a gingerbread man and I love that this one is copper. Buy here

Last but not least, a completely unnecessary item and yet one I just can't get out of my head. I adore this wooden tray from H&M. It would be perfect on my bedside table to hold some of my must have bits and pieces, so although it's really autumnal it's top of my current home wish list. Buy here

Is there anything you can't live without during autumn or can you just not wait until it's acceptable to make your home festive?

Make sure to check out the other installments of my autumn trilogy on beauty and fashion!

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The Best of Pinterest: Interiors

I've had an ongoing love affair with Pinterest for quite some time now but, like any love affair, it has it's ups and downs which is only to be expected. Now recently has been rather a long 'down' but that all changed this weekend when I felt the need for a little inspiration in the home department and I turned to my old friend Pinterest and now my only question is, why did I ever turn my back on it? 

1. How beautiful is the floral detailing on the side of these drawers? I love an opportunity to give an old, tired piece of furniture a new lease of life but my usual method is just to give it a lick of fresh paint and new handles (click here to see my latest project). This is such a great way of adding a little finishing touch and another pop of colour, especially if everything else is quite minimal. I can't wait to try this out on the chest of drawers I've been avoiding working on. Source

2. I love this concept of incorporating your bedside lamp into part of your bedside table and the open fronted boxes looks super chic with the little ornaments and the lamp stand running through them. Not sure it would work considering the amount of clutter that accumulates in my bedside drawers but maybe in a guest bedroom? Source

3. My obsession with 'mood lighting' is pretty much never ending, I have more candles than you could ever imagine and I'm always looking for cute fairy lights. I've often looked at decorative bird cages in homeware shops and not known what I'd do with one but maybe I'll try this! Source

4. This pin pretty much sums up my dream living room, all it needs is a cat snuggled up in amongst the cushions! The colour scheme of muted greys and creams is pretty much perfection, I might just throw in the odd mustard yellow cushion for a bit of variety! Source

5. With all the huge, bare white walls in my flat I've become obsessed with the idea of a gallery wall and I love the use of a picture rail and overlapping the pictures here! Source

Keep up with more of my pins by following me on Pinterest! 

Do you love Pinterest too? 

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