It’s official – just two and a  half weeks to go to Christmas Day! Did someone fast forward the clocks, or is it just me? Truth is though, I’m glad it’s just around the corner because I really do love Christmas – it’s the only time I’m authentically wrecked and so appreciative of all  the comfort, warmth and joy that Christmas offers.

I wanted to inspire you all with some great ideas for decorating your tree, your table and your home this Christmas. I’ve kept it simple so if you have the time and would like something a bit more meaningful or different then here are some great ideas that hopefully will excite you. So let’s have a look in those cupboards…its’ probably a bit cold to be venturing outside just yet. I’m expecting it to get warmer……am I wrong??!

photo courtesy of housetohome

photo courtesy of apartment therapy

Here’s an example of how a creative fashion duo on a small budget and even less space created a unique  Christmas centrepiece! The space was relatively dark so they wanted a delicate piece that would throw out some light and also look the part et voila- job well done,I think you’ll agree and it really is fairly simply achieved as a DIY job( if you forget about the bulb fixture!). It’s a straightforward job for electrician though if you want to go the whole hog!

photo courtesy of apartment therapy

I LOVE  a traditional Christmas tree – it’s just such a lasting symbol of this time of year. However I’m also fascinated by some of the amazing alternatives people have come up with. Like the retro white trees that are all in now or the crafty wall versions that are not difficult to achieve. These are for the heathens though, I mean progressive types who don’t have a huge amount of space for a monster tree (‘cos after all that’s the only way to do traditional!!!), don’t like the clean up, don’t like spending a fortune on ornaments, don’t have kids, aren’t even going to be there on Christmas Day….you know the type…you do…!!!!

photo courtesy of apartment therapy

photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

photo courtesy of jane schouten

I LOVE ………There’s something about traditional red and white colours for Christmas – it looks even better when it gets the Swedish treatment!

It’s such a fresh, simple and uplifting colour combination. You can make a statement table dressing by adding a vibrant red runner – (remember the Swedish colour tone is a strawberry red rather than a deeper wine colour) Ikea do a great selection of red and white fabrics. I also spotted a  great selection in TK MAXX in Stephens Green last week. Make drop baubles by gluing together a selection of small matte and shiny ones. Another easy trick is to take some twigs in from outside and paint them a  vibrant red as in the photo and arrange casually on your table. You could add some lovely foliage with red berries also if you’re feeling flamboyant!

photo courtesy of www.contempoo.com

photo courtesy of www.atypicalpea.com

photo courtesy of www.atypicalpea.com

ADD SOME INTEREST to your table by sticking to a simple, vibrant colour scheme like red and white or pink and white. I love that instant touch of glamour that some gold or silver tableware can add. Martha Stewart’s centrepiece of red cranberries and white roses adds a sense of drama and beauty to any table at any time of the year. For a  more traditional look with a twist, try combining some colourful autumnal flowers and vegetables (try ornamental cabbages ) from your garden to impart a wonderful glow to your table!

photo courtesy of Lonny

photo courtesy of Martha Stewart

photo courtesy of architectsforlife

photo courtesy of www.homeconceptdecoration.com

I’M DREAMING OF A  WHITE CHRISTMAS….and so to get us all in the mood I’ve added some great images that may convince you to revert back to all-white …just for Christmas! Mix with lots of crystal, mirror, gold or silver for a  fairytale Christmas.

photo courtesy of Lonny

photo courtesy of country living

photo courtesy of www.bellemaison23.com

I love the fresh green napkin and pom -pom like bow made with satin ribbon from Martha Stewart – the satin has  a lovely radiance that highlights the bow’s contours and sits so well against the cotton napkins – a delightfully simple idea. Pair it with textured green and electric blues – this peacock feather wreath is a bit different.  Recreate the look quite easily with some peacock feathers (source from an arts and hobbies supplier or on the internet) wire, pliers and a  bit of patience.

The great thing is you’re done then…all that’s left is to curl up beside a blazing fire, to watch an old black and white movie with a glass of mulled wine and for me to wish you a very happy holiday and all the joys of the season xxx

photo courtesy of www.marthastewart.com

photo courtesy of apartment therapy

‘Met Eireann aplogises for the weather yesterday’ so says today’s headlines! They said there were going to be a few showers instead of the opening of the heavens that welcomed all poor souls in the city yesterday. So as you can imagine they are now hedging their bets with further forecasts and playing it safe as per the following…….’There will be a good deal of dry weather but there will be some rain at times also…….. Indications suggest warm, mainly dry weather on Tuesday but there could be some scattered showers developing in places on Tuesday afternoon.’

Meanwhile spare a thought for the poor New Yorkers who are collapsing in temps of 46°C –the solution-mobile fountains – how about that?!  I never thought I’d say it but I’m happy I’m here wrapped in my layers– I hate the idea of laboured breathing! And hey one can always warm up by trying to catch up with that mysterious streaker who’s been spotted in Kerry somewhere – anyone seen him? Having said that it is important psychologically to experience that sense of summer, the streaker story, embodies that sense of the ridiculous that really is the essence of summer- I love it!

photo courtesy of Ron Johnson/Peoria Star Journal

Me -I find it challenging getting into the white jeans and sandals. I feel if I stick with the wedge sandals and my co…oooll cropped trousers (love them) then I feel I’m doing my bit!

On the homefront, it’s good to get out into the garden and even if it is cold (yes,agreed) you can warm up with a beautiful mug of tea or coffee. I bought some beautiful pink and floral mugs in TKMAXX yesterday. Tea tastes different in a lovely china mug and it means I can swan around the garden, mug in hand admiring all the fabulous flowers….. now  what could be better?!

I’ve planted the garden with a mix of garden centre purchases and cuttings from my mother and some friends.  I just love mixing purple, blues, some pinks and white. I love the purple agapanthus, (but it has to be the extra large ones) which look stunning, grouped together in an old oak barrel. The purple foxgloves that I remember so fondly as a child on holidays in Donegal look a perfect fairy dream in the garden.  I bought some flowers to attract butterflies and bees and I love to see all the little sparrows and thrushes swarming into the garden and taking a little dip in an old pot (no… not swallowing the bees!).  So I would really recommend getting out in the garden to sure you make your summer at home as summery as possible!

Once you do get indoors,there’s some good news! You can bring the sense of the garden in with you by introducing floral patterns and some strong bursts of summer colour. You can create a fresh new look that will re-energise you, and your home very easily and without spending too much in the process.

Photo courtesy of www.bluebellgray.co.uk

Most people need to be braver with colour (it takes a while!) and the good thing about colour is that you can take it slowly and try out a  little at first introducing cushions and other accessories or painting features such as trimming or feature walls or even ceilings. Ceilings can look absolutely amazing in a deep pink or purple and balancing with lots of white.

Photo courtesy of Sally Story via www.apartmenttherapy.com

And you’ll have no problem sourcing any of the vibrant colour that’s so in vogue this summer.  There’s lots of colour around, whether it’s in accessories or on the laminate  finish on furniture or lighting. With painted furniture the focus is on super-slick glossy surfaces – you’ll see them on stools, table tops and small lockers. All these vibrant colours look great in white bathrooms, bedrooms or kitchens. The key is to keep the background neutral in whites or greys, or even with touches of black  (the tones must be right -creams won’t look as good with primary colours!)

And of course, there’s still lots of monochrome black and white colour around. It’s such a versatile look as it works really well in small doses with some colour or you can use it with warm neutrals such as browns and lots of wood, chrome and glass. Designers Guild have brought out more luxurious and feminine designs in black and white. I will leave you with some good interior tips for the summer to mull over. So do try to get stuck into it – you’ll feel great after it and very proud that you’re being even a little brave – have good fun with it x

Introduce these summer interior trends in lots of simple and affordable ways

o It’s easy with flowers

The easiest and cheapest way to bring summer into your home is with flowers. Try single-stemmed flowers in coloured vases and group on a window sill. On a low coffee table bunch short stemmed pink peonies in a low circular glass. And for that wonderful scent of summer, position lilies or roses just inside your front door to welcome you and your guests to your home!

photo courtesy of Johnathan Adler

o Paint furniture

An interesting and low-cost way to update and ‘summerise’ furniture, is to paint in primary colours or cover in vibrant patterned wallpaper. Colours such as cobalt blue and bright greens look particularly good. You could try painting the insides of drawers or doors, or just the table legs if you’ re not feeling too brave but want a shot of colour. If you’re ok with venturing further then paint the unit in one block colour or paint a simple pattern on it like a harlequin pattern using a stencil. The options are endless. Protect with varnish and glass for the top.

wallpaper from Timorous Beasties Photo courtesy of www.mydeco.com

o Make an entrance.

Injecting a shot of bold colour will really make a feature out of your hallway instead of it being just a  corridor of doors. You don’t have to paint all the walls – it’s easier than that – try introducing colour onto your stairs. There are lots of elements here that are suitable for painting – the handrail, spindles or the steps (treads and risers) Try painting a broad strip of strong colour like cobalt blue in the centre of the stairs and border this with white. Or you could paint a series of colourful strips – it’s a lot of more work but looks fabulous in an otherwise  white hall. Remember to use paint suitable for flooring.  Another option is to paint the doors in your hallway a bright primary colour and leave your walls neutral – this can create a feeling of space and make paintings or framed prints stand out more.

photo courtesy of www.livingetc.com

photo courtesy of www.livingetc.com

oBring some colour into your kitchen

Try a hot paint on the top units and mix this with white or black baseunits. Alternatively you could add a turquoise or hot pink splash-back for that wow factor and if you don’t want to paint your existing tiles www.Colourglass.ie has a great range of coloured glass splash-backs.

o Update your bedroom!

Add a headboard in contemporary fabric (choose suitable upholstery material as anything too delicate can tear easily). A vibrant striped fabric such as one from the designers’ guild range (www.designersguild.com) will look great against a neutral backdrop of grey, cream or taupe. Alternatively hang a large statement digital wallpaper with a large  flower for some summer sunshine on a feature wall.

photo courtesy of www.wallmuralgallery.com

So if you’re feeling brave, even just a little, then try out the bold acidic pastels and candy-floss pinks with citrus greens or vibrant orange with citrus green-  you’ll be so in vogue this summer. Try out in a less public space first if you’re unsure – a small bathroom or your ensuite for a bit of experimentation. And you’re onto a sure thing if you manage to balance the shots of colour with flat urban greys or white for that fresh lift.

o Make a feature with your handles.

Keep the doors of the piece muted in a neutral colour and make a statement then with the handles. Abigail Aherne has made her own extra long ones and painted them in vibrant pink. I painted a cabinet in a sky blue and added turquoise door handles from Yesterdays www.yesterdays.ie.  A funkier alternative is to use stencils or an avant-garde wallpaper on cabinets and presses.

photo courtesy of Abigail Aherne

photo courtesy of www.homeinteriors.ie

oMake your own artwork

You can do this by scripting a favourite poem or quotation with calligraphy or stencilling.  Typography and humorous prints are very affordable and can be bought online from www.etsy.com and www.allposters.ie . Or mount lots of tiny prints on a board as here for a personal and colourful addition to your wall……………. don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the process!  Hope you all have a wonderful Summer with lots of sweet days, sunshine and loads of funxElaine

photo courtesy of Elizabeth Feldman.........

photo courtesy of www.apartmenttherapy.com

When it comes to drama, the artichoke pendant is a winner. It’s a classic design created by Poul Henningsen in 1958. It is such a beautiful light, and due to it’s popularity (and hefty price tag), it has often been replicated. So I have included some good alternative options that are more affordable and very stylish to boot!  The iconic artichoke pendant

The Norm 69 is a good and less expensive alternative

Photo: courtesy of Homes and gardens

Designed in 1969 by Simon Karkov and distributed by Normann Copenhagen, the award winning Norm 69 lamp shade (the cream one is now discontinued) is fast becoming a Danish design classic. Attractive, functional and affordable, its contemporary design makes it ideal for modern living. It delivers a modern punchy statement in a simple pared down space such as the one above.

Ooooohhh … the George Nelson saucer lamp….so  iconic, simplistic and   organic………….simply divine!

There really is something so elegant and ethereal about this interior.  The  George Nelson saucer  lamp adds texture and a  floaty  undefined  element  to this room.

The Bubble Lamp series is featured in the permanent collection of the  Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Inspirational………

I thought I’d include this oversized Noguchi pendant. Perhaps I love the room as much as the light and what I really like is the contrast of the large with the small. While the smaller Noguchi lamps can be ubiquitous, this very large ceiling one (48″x46″) is rare (and expensive!) and creates an amazing overscale feeling to a room.

(……and interestingly this is apparently the former 5 storey New York,town house  of Julianne Moore!!)

Mad hot……

Photo: http://www.studioilse.com

What’s not to admire about a designer who titled a show “Designs for Fragile Personalities in Anxious Times”? And who created the Ball Lights, stunningly  perched over a dining table at the  Stockholm Grand Hotel restaurant? Check for answers at www.michaelanastassiades.com and to see more work by this Cypriot-born, UK-based designer.For full project photos : www.studioilse.com/projects

Photo: courtesy of Patricia Gray    Moooi Dandelion Suspension Light

An explosive light from Moooi designed by Richard Hutten, the Dandelion is made from laser cut steel that is powder coated white. In the words of Moooi-”True to its name, Dandelion was initially inspired by the plant which creates the famous and poetic dandleion snow of fuzzy cotton-like seeds when a gush of wind blows on it.The lamp tranmits an explosive feeling of energy in motion, reaching towards us from its centre. Striking and pure self-generated energy to lighten up and blow away the heavinesss of everyday life”.

…..well who wouldn’t want one of those?

www.splendidwillow.com

Moooi Random and Non-Random Suspension Light A conversation piece and focal point in any room, the Moooi Random light designed by Bertjan Pot is one of the most beautiful pieces of light art you will ever see. The related Non-Random light (on the right )is available in black or white.

Le Klint 171 looks stunning in the dining room space in the Benal Heights home designed by Feldman Architecture.The light, designed by Poul Christiansen is a magical lamp with a seemingly random order. The enclosed shape of its base makes it ideal as there is no glare from the light source.

And even better, the price is not as way-out as some modern lighting options!

Flos 2097/30 Suspension Light and the Foscarini caboche light

This is the Bocci 14.36 pendant. Spectacular in its natural setting -simple surroundings, lots of lights and space, it is perfect for a full double-height ceiling! I just love the combination of drama and elegance that somehow keeps it from looking completely formal and yet it is such a glamorous look.

You could create a similar effect with a cluster of crystal lights.(three solitaire pendants at differing heights would work in much the same way in a smaller space– see below) Check out www.bocci.com

This is the Solitaire pendant from Niche Modern. Introducing on the left, the Solitaire pendant from Niche Modern. The plum colour is beautifully seductive but they do a plain glass, sultry smoky grey and blue version too. On the right, as featured in the November 2010 issue of Elle Décor is the stamen pendant in plum. The owners are the founders of the fabulous Ochre design store. See www.nichemodern.com

Simply stunning!

If the sky was the limit, so to speak, (and so was my purse!) I’d snag a Serge Mouille piece or something by Brooklyn based, Lindsey Adelman or maybe a David Weeks piece…….. I love the architectural silhouette of the Serge Mouille lights – they work well in any kind of interior, from contemporary to classic, from country to modern. I first saw them featured by one of my favourite designers (Nate Berkus) and I thought they were fascinating! Mouille’s work is very popular and there isn’t very much of it out there, so originals are very expensive. You’ll only find the originals now through sites such as 1stdibs or at auctions. They’ve become so rare that his spouse, Gin Mouille, has introduced a new edition, stamped, numbered, and represented exclusively by Inside Modern Living. To find out more visit the website.

Photo: Olivery Aphe Serge Mouille light             Photo: Olivery Aphe. Lindsey Adelman

Brooklyn based designer Lindsey Adelman is emerging as a really hot talent in the design world.She  has become ubiquitous on the New York design scene and shows at high-end design galleries.  Her work is exhibited at major shows on the international design circuit such as ICFF in New York, Art Basel/Design Miami in Miami, and Ventura Lambrate in Milan.

I love her branching bubble chandeliers for which she is best known….. and she is setting Hollywood on fire with some of her pieces selected for the filmset of Sex and the City 2

Try  your own DIY version………  instructions are on the remodelista site. http://remodelista.com/posts/lighting-diy-chandelier-from-lindsey-adelman

Lindsey also has detailed instructions for a DIY version on her site http://lindseyadelman.com/makeit.php?item=4

Source: Remodelista David weeks light

The Orbit Chandelier pictured by Dwell in a Brooklyn Apartment

And finally for a blast of colour and some sunshine as I enjoy the sweet tweets of the happy birds outside my window…………. Design by Ghislaine Vinas

Verner Panton is one of the iconic designers of the last century. He was an inspirational and colourful personality with a unique understanding of colour, shape,light, function and space.

The Verner Panton Style Fin ISTM Lamp is a high quality reproduction in the style of the original design. 

The floor lamp’s stylish chrome frame is used to suspend three layers of mother of pearl discs, attached to each other in a chain formation, that cleverly conceals and reflects the lamp’s hidden bulb.

Inspired by the works of Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen is considered one of the most influential furniture designers of the last century. The highly sculptured  ‘Egg Chair’ was originally designed in 1957 for the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen.

The Egg chair is the result of Jacobsen’s search for a curved fluid form which required minimum padding and was lightweight without losing the comfort.

Our high quality version of the Egg chair has a padded synthetic shell on a star-shaped aluminium reclining and swivel base, & complies with all Irish and UK fire regulations.

Available in either luxurious wool in a range of 10 colours, or aniline leather in red, black, mid /dark  brown and white.

Who doesn’t recognize the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman? It lives in museums like MoMA in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago, in stylish interiors everywhere, and as a tattoo on a devotee’s arm. It has been the subject of documentary films and books. It even has its own fan website. Calling it a classic is an understatement. It’s the quintessential example of mid-century design—elegant and profoundly comfortable too.

HomeInteriors.ie has done a bit of decorating and we’re delighted to launch the new Home & Interiors website, filled with a new design and new features. We’ll be updating with all kinds of stylish new content in the next few weeks, but for now if you’d like the latest on contemporary design products, trends and news, please sign up for the newly launched Style File newsletter in the footer. Thank you!