It’s probably become apparent by now that I have quite an obsession with beautiful things. I find and seek inspiration all around me and thankfully, due to my job, I’ve been fortunate enough to nosey around some very interesting places, from shoot locations, other creative folks’ homes to incredible hotels in far flung places. I collect ideas like butterflies and file them away in photo folders and scrapbooks. Today I’m diving into the archive to bring you a series of images that I hope will inspire an update to little areas in your own home. Whether you simply decorate a mirror with a collage of old photographs, fill your home with greenery or trawl Ebay for bargainous finds to transform a kitchen or bathroom into a totally individual space. It’s about thinking outside of the box and not always looking to the new.
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Sera Hersham-Loftus’s bohemian home a couple of times. Full of diffused light, plants and luxe soft furnishings, it’s quite frankly, the dream boudoir and showcases her interior design skills perfectly. Her gilt mirror against a black painted brick wall, looks stunning ‘dressed’ with old photographs, prints, sketches and cards. Cleverly working with the tones in the room Sera has created a unique and personal piece of art. A Pinterest wall come to life. Check out http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Antique-Mirrors/98442/bn_2317985/i.html for pre-owned mirrors or try popping along to this event at http://www.photofair.co.uk to secure some interesting vintage photographs. It’s also worth scouring little antique markets and shops up and down the country. In London try Camden Passage in Angel Islington plus Portobello and Greenwich markets.
The Iconic Piece. This Maison Jansen lamp, again another amazing find at Sera’s home is quite a tricky and expensive antique to track down. I found similar here http://www.modernebrighton.com/#!mid-century-lighting/cgbi BUT would recommend trawling ebay and antique markets in the search for that lucky find. Look for chunky bronzes that look great set against busy oriental style wallpapers.
An abundance of foliage. Simple as it might seem, filling a light and airy room with greenery is the perfect way to bring a summery, bohemian feel to a big space. It softens corners, brings colour to neutral paintwork and helps combat the winter blues. An easy updater. For details of Sera’s beautiful Interior work, go to http://www.seraoflondon.com
The Belljar. These little domes are a great way of making an inexpensive vintage find look VERY special. Caught under glass, you can literally put anything from a sculpture to a very special shoe depending on your interior taste. The wooden bases can be painted to fit your colour palette and even a scrunched up mass of fairy lights will look stunning inside in the corner of a room. For bell jars, scour junk shops or shop new at; https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lisaangelhomewareandgifts/product/antique-glass-dome-with-wooden-base?force_locale=en-GB&gclid=CLPx_NzL1soCFZadGwod2fMFrw or http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-croft-collection-cloche-bell-jar/p1604169
Wall Art – not just the stuff of classroom ennui. The chalkboard is the perfect way to bring a little wit to your wall. Shopping lists? Sure, but also for messages to house mates, family and the perfect way to communicate your mood. I found this one in potter, Fleur Enser’s house in Oxfordshire – every day the family draw a new image to amuse and entertain. Bigger, vintage feel chalkboards can be found at https://www.restaurantsupplystore.co.uk/vintage-chalkboard-with-hooks-64-x-8-x-71-cm?source=googlebase&kw=&fl=1000&ci=55825648251&network=pla&gclid=CIKRjovO1soCFYpsGwodOuwKgA OR http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/home/storage-organisers/chalkboards
Get your wings. Not your average wall decoration but these stone wings bring an individual touch to a small room. Sculptural on clean white walls or pretty on dove grey tones. Try http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/stone-effect-angel-wings
And then there was light. Fairy lights, I know I know, I’m a little smitten with them but they create a softer light in any room and can prettify dull areas. Try teeny, tiny led lights on fine wire. Go to http://www.lights4fun.co.uk/i/q/C20-YW/20-warm-white-led-micro-battery-fairy-lights
The Decorative Lightbulb. Yes, it’s a thing and with contrast electrical cord and feature bulb it’s a simple way to add interest to a room. This, from the dining room of photographer John Rowley and make up artist, Lisa Valencia’s household, looks great against an old pub sign and tongue and groove walls. Strong and striking. Go to http://www.cultfurniture.com/lighting-c11/edison-st64-t9-vintage-ferrowatt-e27-led-light-bulb-p1879 for a selection of feature bulbs.
Say it with succulents….and cacti. Another lovely idea chez the Valencia-Rowley’s, Lisa uses antique trays to showcase a diverse offering of plants to add interest to the table. Relatively easy to look after and prone to a little spontaneous flowering, this can work in bathrooms too. Go to http://www.easycactus.co.uk/shop/Succulent-Plants/
The heart of the kitchen. Lisa and John bought this fantastic kitchen island at Kempton Antiques Market, it’s is an old work bench from the Spitfire factory and gives a totally eclectic finish to a modern, fitted B&Q kitchen. The copper ceiling lights are an investment and by Tom Dixon. For more details of the Sunbury Antiques Market at kempton, go to http://kempton antiques market for details of the lights go to https://www.heals.com/copper-round-pendant.html – also note the chalk board, as mentioned earlier.
Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella
Photography by Shelly Vella with exception of John Rowley and Lisa Valencia’s home, photographed by Lisa Valencia