Have a Happy Non-Commercial Christmas Tree

I don't know about you but I love Christmas, I just don't like the commercialism of it all. Bring back hand-crafted gifts, decorations and festive food to bring back a more traditional style that for me is far much more fun!

Let's start with trees – in my book they have to be real or they have to be hand-crafted rather than artificial ones.

There's some fabulous hand-crafted tree that make a real statement without being tacky! In fact many are simply inspiring.

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Today I'm Loving - Knitted Baskets

I love these knitted baskets! They hit all the rights notes in terms of the latest trends, recycling (possible if you have lots of odd balls of chunky wool), texture - that goes without saying and of course colour as you can make them any colour you wish.

These baskets are definitely going to be added to my 'to make' list!

Image: MUDDHUTT

Pretty in Pink

It wasn't that long ago when pink was deemed a colour only to be used in girl's rooms; thankfully those days are now diminishing and you'll find all shades of pink to suit virtually any style of home and decorating motif.

Image: alamai

Go for raspberry pink and it will be gender friendly; alternatively why not opt for steel grey and vibrant hot pink for a gender friendly colour combination that's bang on-trend.

Image: Mimalist Home

Interior Design Styles – Scandinavian

Cool, typically white, and refreshing, Scandinavian interiors use white or pale blue to make homes as light and airy as possible; after all the day light hours are somewhat diminished for much of the year. The style is also relax and easy going with many home-crafted accessories to complete the look. If you love a relaxed style of living but don't want the lace and frills of Shabby Chic Scandinavian may be just what you're looking for.

Image: Tazatek

Recycled & Up-cycling - Tyres

I've no doubt that you've seen lots of tyres recycled in various ways, coffee tables, planters, chairs etc. But I have to admit that this is the first time I've seen them recycled into hand-basin holders; and I like what I'm seeing, especially the pretty blue one – I never thought of tyres as being pretty before but that's where interior design ideas come into their own!

Image: Top Interior Designs

Today I'm Loving - Multi-backed Sofa

Isn't this the cutest sofa? I'm loving the variety of back rests - which is of course what gives this sofa its unique style.  It has style, elegance and makes a wonderful place to share with friends.

It's also a fabulous way to recycle old chair backs!

Beautiful Blues

Blue is the world's favourite colour according to market research and it's easy to see why; there's so many shades and tones this cool, calming colour looks great in all styles of homes. Blue can even be sexy when you opt for deep indigo for bedrooms, while the pretty pastel shades bode well with Country Cottage and Shabby Chic interiors.

Blue is often regarded as a masculine colour and this may be true to some extent when you consider the navy and mid range tones, however, today's designers are bringing blue into the mix in a wide range of ways, giving everyone the ability to use blue in their home.

Image: DESIGN.BUILD.IDEAS.

Interior Design Style – Shabby Chic

I have to admit that I'm a Shabby Chic lover. The pretty pastel colours with hints of wear, patina, showing through on surfaces; chintz prints, an assortment of old glass and the pretty feminine touches which are some of the hallmarks which define this interior design style, make a smile spread across my face!

I also have to admit that I get niggled when people say they love Shabby Chic and use it as an excuse to have a disorganised room stuffed full of what can only be described (in my opinion) as junk, the end results of these rooms are more shabby than chic!

Image: Designlike

Recycling & Up-cycling – Paint Swatches

Do you have difficulty choosing a paint colour for your walls? Yes...well there's lots of people who do, so you're not alone. Paint swatches are a great way to bring a sample home to see what it looks like in the area you're planning to decorate, they're also brilliant for deciding what the colour will look like at different times of the day.

However, if you're still undecided and torn between which colours to use you could always make a multi-coloured wall using the swatches – it's a bit like patchwork on a wall I suppose. Whichever way you look at the idea it's a fabulous way to recycle paint swatches – furthermore they're free!

Image: Babble

Today I'm Loving - Balloon Chair

I simply love the concept of this chair, with balloons which make it appear to be floating up into the sky. Adults will love it as much as children!

Plush Purple

Oozing style and sophistication purple was once a colour that was only permitted to be used by royalty and nobles. Luckily today we can all enjoy this opulent colour. From the prettiest pale lavenders to deep, rich aubergines there's a purple tone to suit everyone.

Image: Impressive Interior Design

Recycling & Up-cycling Beach Balls

If last year's beach ball won't inflate sufficiently to use as a ball be inspired to transform it into a lampshade. You have to admit these fun lights would look fabulous in a child's playroom or bedroom!

Image: E-Junkie

Today I'm Loving - Moss

If you're like me and unable to keep any plant alive then moss may be a great way to add colour, texture and plant life into your home. Pop over to Interiordesign 2014 for a low down on using moss.

Let me know what you think of the idea.

Stunning Glossy Red Kitchen

Red is a fabulous colour to use in kitchens. It sit comfortably next to both natural wood and black; bring a dramatic look that makes the mouth water! Red is of course associated with stimulating the appetite making it the ideal colour choice for kitchens.

Image: Design House Style

Recycling & Up-cycling – Dressing Table Planter

Don't throw away an unwanted dressing room draw unit, instead give it a new lease of life by turning it into a fabulous planter. If you choose plants which help to oxygenate the air, (which is a bit of an understatement as all plants use oxygen!) however, there are some plants that can help improve the air quality of your home and if you opt for these the planter will give you more than a touch of visual nature inside your home.

Image: Inhabitat

Today I’m Loving – Cat Table

How cool is this cat table? If you have a feline friend that likes to explore and a place to hide this is the perfect piece of furniture for your home.

Ruan Hao from the architectural firm LYCS says “It is a  table for us, and a paradise for cats.”

Image: Randomization

Helen

Suitcase Bedside Table

Old suitcases can be given a new lease of life in many different ways. A small suitcase is perfect for transforming into a bedside table. You can use a basic folding stand – the type you often find in hotels, to sit the suitcase on. If you want or need a little more stability a sturdier block base will give you the ability to screw the suitcase firmly in place.

Another great advantage, if you don’t put too much on the surface area, is that you can use the inside of the case to store your special treasures to keep them safe and close to you while you sleep.

Image: SowingRoom

Helen

Today I'm Lovin– Air Plants

I love these the way these air plants are displayed and, as a person who always forget to water her plants these may be just what I’m looking. They’ll bring a touch of greenery into a space without looking too overbearing and when displayed on these pretty glass (or plastic) baubles they’ll hand beautifully in a space where additional height is needed.

This is one of those projects that I’m definitely adding to my ‘must make’ list.

Image: Family Holiday.net

Helen

Today I'm Loving - Cable Knitted Chair Cover

Image: CASA TRES CHIC

It's raining, cold and miserable - what I need is a hot cup of coffee, a warm fire, a good book and to settle down in a gorgeous chair like this. For me it's the ultimate snuggle chair that instantly makes me feel warm, despite the weather.
I love the home-crafted look and promise myself that I really should make stunning things like this...probably not as easy as it sounds, but maybe one day I'll give it a go!

Helen

Autumnal Colours 2013

This year we not only see the usual deep reds, gold and muted green bur also a splattering of purples and greys. Colour combinations of these beautiful colours will give your home a warm and cosy feeling; they’ll also work well into next year when you can refresh the look but adding pops of brighter shades via your soft furnishings.

Image: POPSUGAR