id homes

Wild Wild West

2011-06-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ralph Lauren Catwalk for S/S 11 which was heavily influenced by the wild wild west with belt buckles, tassels and fringing galore. Yee hah! Loved the colour and textures (lots of suede)

and its definitely a trend I've started to see translated into the home.

Its a very calming look with lots of natural materials, rustic wood, bare brick walls and a cactus or ornamental deer head or two for effect!

Not a look I think would suit the Georgian style of homes in Bath but definitely a fun, quirky look to experiment with

www.id-homes.co.uk

“If a room is like an outfit, then lighting is the jewelry.”

2011-06-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

I love designing rooms and if the colours and fabrics are the rooms clothing then the lighting is the thing that makes a room really shine, the jewelery. A few statement lights can be a really simple and potentially inexpensive way to add a wow factor to a room. Firstly think big, the bigger the better, there is nothing worse than a skinny little light fitting perched apologetically in the centre of the ceiling. Secondly more is definitely more, why stop at one if you've got the room go for a line of lights. A good electrician will be able to easily put the extra feeds in.

Moooi Pendant Light

If you want to make an impact in your dining room or have high ceilings why not hang you lights lower to add a bit of atmosphere.

For real sparkly glamour you can't beat a chandelier to add a bit of style to a room.

If your feeling a little adventurous and want something a bit more creative and perhaps Wonderland-esque how about these?

My favourite lighting suppliers at the moment are Original BTC (all british made) and designers Moooi whose light designs are future classics.

www.id-homes.co.uk

Going 3D

2011-06-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

It took some time to style and film but I think it's paid off as the end result is exactly as I imagined.
Take a look at our id homes viral advert and let us know what you think.

www.id-homes.co.uk

videography http://timfok.com/videos

A little Design..

2011-06-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

After visiting two beautiful newborn twin girls on the weekend I've started to think about design ideas for decorating a nursery. I haven't had the chance to do one as a designer yet. I have done my own kids. I decorated my sons room when he as was 3 (some while ago!) around a circus theme. There was yellow and white striped wallpaper and borders and curtains with circus animals. The fairly imaginative bit was I designed the front of his wardrobe to look like the entrance of a circus tent. With a triangular wood covered triangle pelmet and fabric doors. Anyway enough of the reminiscing. I think if I did a nursery now I would go for something a little simpler, something like like these below;

I would most probably keep the design scheme neutral and functional especially if the gender was kept a mystery until the big day. I love the scheme above and the very decadent Jacobson Egg Chair. Its a scheme that's not to babyish,very sophisticated, calm and relaxing. Just what you need when you are up at 3am with a screaming baby!

I would even think about incorporating my love of all things vintage in there somewhere.

Thankfully my last little angel leaves for Uni in September so no worries about designing a nursery for me own use, but if any one else has one for me to do I'm there!

www.id-homes.co.uk

Welcome to Miami.. bienvenido a Miami

2011-06-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

There seems to be an increasing number of neon and fuchsia colours popping up in shops and fashion right now. When ever I see them I automatically think Miami and Miami Vice.
Miami is place you either love or hate! I myself love the place, brash in your face, with attitude and a place with confidence.

The art deco candy coloured buildings, neon lights, one of the 10 best beaches in the world and the flamingos!

Well maybe not the Flamingos but it's always something that comes to my mind when I think of Miami.
If your feeling brave why not Jazz up a simple room with a neon colour or two?

Go full on with neon coloured walls or something on a smaller scale with a punch of colour.

or go with the Havana groove and a Cuban leather look

If you don't fancy the look why not just add a touch of flamingo!

ok, maybe not!

www.id-homes.co.uk

radiating style.....

2011-05-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

After a slight mishap I had involving me slipping on steps and colliding with a cast iron radiator (it did hurt) it did make made me wonder whether I would have had quite so many cuts and bruises if I had installed bog standard radiators? Not that I care along with net curtains and pine cladding I am not a fan of builders radiators. Mind it is quite an investment as non standard does mean quite a hike in price. Its getting better though some of the Diy retailers like B&Q do passable radiators at a not quite break the bank prices.

If getting a quality designer look is a priority then here are some of my favourite ideas.

Traditional Cast iron radiators timeless and fabulous

How about a tall sleek radiator

Or there are growing range of glass radiators coming on to the market?

Or for a real statement go for a radiator that double as a piece of art.

www.id-homes.co.uk

home office

2011-05-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

its great working from home. No gruelling rush hour journeys is a major bonus. But when you run your business from home having the right sort of work space becomes essential. I find I need at least 3 work spaces. An area for designing, storage for reference library, admin space and I forgot an area to store deliveries if the project site is not ready. I think another 6 months and we will have to move into rented offices. I am taking over the house, plus I am not very good at swithing off when the office always there.

If I were to design my dream office it would have a long wooden table or island so i could spread out while drawing and working.

One wall would be filled with storage space so i could keep everything together, organised and on one floor (rather than running up and down the stairs which is my current situation).

It would have a homely feel

It would have a great view, nothing to distracting, maybe a office with glass walls in a wood.

I would never want to work in a big corporate office environment but it looked as fun as Google's or Pixar's I might consider it.

Shall we take the lift of the slide?

http://www.id-homes.co.uk

www.bathinteriordesign@blogspot.com

Green Living

2011-05-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

When we get our wasted collected it now has to go into umpteen different containers for recycling, one for plastics, paper, cardboard, glass etc. With a continuing growth of the number of items that can now be recycled like, furniture, carpets, metals etc I do sometimes wonder where it all goes and what happens to it. A little rummage on the internet did shed some light!

This Chair designed by Richard Liddle is made from 100% recycled plastic made from milk bottles and washing up liquid made of high density polyethylene. Clever but a little strange looking.

Can you guess what this used to be?

A coffee table made from an old washing machine drum from Reestore!

Inside is an energy-saving bulb that creates a light effect similarly to a disco ball-style.

Or how about some Recylcled Yoghurt pot coasters?

It seems almost like the possibilities are endless one day we may even see on our streets a whole house made from recycled items like the one created by Affresol in Swansea which is made from 18 tonnes of recylced waste plastic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8531170.stm

How about Alulife Aluminium tiles made out of recycled aluminium cans.

Rice, straw and coconut are emerging as sustainable sources to create a home from.

Have you heard of Resysta?

Resysta resembles a tropical hardwood, maid primarily from rice husks. The husks are powdered and mixed with salt and mineral oil and pressed onto board. It doesn't absorb water or grey like wood and the material is recyclable and has won awards for its sustainability.

Recycled is the only way to go to give our planet a chance to regenerate. Next time you are undertaking a renovation project look at what opportunities there are to recycle and reuse.

for mor eco designs head over to;

http://hautenature.com/design-architecture/

http://inhabitat.com/interiors/

www.bathinteriordesign@blogger.com

www.id-homes.co.uk

Frame it

2011-05-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

It is such a pain sometimes to find the right piece of art to fit in with a room style or colour and then there is the other tricky challenge to find stuff that is affordable
Some of the things I think about when faced with a challenge like this is to go about using a left over scrap of material, wall paper or even postcards.

This image is a left over birthday card.

Or printed off image from the Internet.

I've just bought some fab posters from Bloomsbury to have framed, the prints cost less than £3

http://www.bloomsburystore.com/home_interior/home_accessories/posters/cavallini_poster_wrap_-_world_map.htm

It's one of the simplest things you can do but with a bit of imagination you can create a really nice and unique piece of art for you home.

www.id-homes.co.uk

Purple Passion

2011-05-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a reoccuring theme going on with the projects I’m working on at the moment.

Purple
(that and endlessly long hours!).

Even when we've developed a few other colour options clients have been gravitating to purple.

I guess it’s not hard to see why, it is quite a fab colour to use in the home.

It doesn't have to be an overwhelming colour, it works well on walls. It’s a colour that’s always in fashion so you can always find accessories and soft furnishings to incorporate on a smaller scale in a room. There are so many tonal variations from calm lilacs which add a contemporary touch, zingy mauve's for a modern funky look, and deep royals purples like aubergine which look really sophisticated and elegant. It can also be a great accessory colour for maybeΩa blue or green decorating scheme.

These are just a few of my favourite Purple themed rooms; I love this heather toned sofa and check cushion covers (above).

very sophisticated!

My favourite look is toning purple schemes with just a cream/white accent.

We have one purple scheme finished, going into style this weekend so pictures to follow

and another project just going into production. Will be surfacing from our purple haze soon!

www.id-homes.co.uk
www.bathinteriordesign@blogspot.com

Capture a moment

2011-05-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

What makes a house a home?

You do.

One house could be identical to another but it's what you do to the inside, the personality that you give it that makes it your home. And nothings is more personal than displaying family photos.

So instead of just hiding them away in an album or popping them in a photo frame, theres a million more ways to display them imaginatively.

I love this idea, creating a stunning head board made out of Polaroid photos. Or a created out of a montage

Or turn get trigger happy and work one of your favourite prints into wallpaper. Create a unique piece or artwork for your walls or even turn your fire place into a unique style statement. On a smaller scale go diy and add to a lampshade.

Or if you prefer a slightly smaller home accessory why not dig out your vintage family photos and go old school and slot them into pretty glassware.

For quotes on turning your artwork into home accessories email us we can create stunning lightshades, murals or blinds.

www.id-homes.co.uk

lisa@id-homes.co.uk

Pack your suitcase and stay home.

2011-05-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

With the prospect of a holiday potentially on the horizon (mostly wishful thinking, I've being saying I am going to have a holiday for nearly a year), I wanted to dig out the summer clothes that I had packed away in suitcases months ago.

Though practical and lightweight, looking at my suitcase it lacked a certain charm and elegance that old fashioned trunks had. Though I'm sure a trunk probably wouldn't be very practical when trying to lug it round Heathrow. Maybe not practical for taking away on holiday but old trunks could make quirky accessories around the home.

Trunk tabletop - songbirdnesting.com

I even found a site that takes it one step further. Turning the humble trunk and recycle it into a unique and vintage looking pieces of Furniture (not only stylish but eco friendly). Right that has got me into the mood off to flick through some holiday brochures.

www.id-homes.co.uk

Vintage find

2011-05-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

My favourite find recently is an antique dummy. I've been searching for the perfect vintage mannequin for ages and found this at a antique fair in Bath and it had to come home with me. It has such a tiny nipped in waist and beautiful aged look, I've been moving it around the house as I just can't decide which room to leave it. Its ended up in my daughters room and she has found a very productive use for it. Modelling clothes she is selling on eBAY!

www.id-homes.co.uk

'The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least i can dream' Marilyn Monroe

2011-05-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

One of the nicest things about living in Bath is the abundance of history. The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the Museums.

http://www.americanmuseum.org/default.cfm/loadindex.235

Inspired by the Lady herself I would love to infuse a bit of Hollywood Glamour into a boudoir bedroom. Feminine, glam and sexy; very Monroe

www.id-homes.co.uk

Fit for a Queen

2011-04-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

The royal wedding is hours away and Kate, sorry Catherine and William will be settling into domestic bliss (though I'm not sure how domesticated they would actually be).

But with royalty in mind why not get a bit regal in your own home by adding a splash of purple.
The colour has always been associated with royalty, as centuries ago, the king, queen, and other nobility would wear the colour in the form of robes and cloaks. It was once so time consuming and expensive to dye fabric purple that it was only royalty that could afford to wear the colour.

Fabric is also key when it comes to adding a royal and luxurious feel when decorating and one of my favourites to use is velvet. It can be used on furniture or curtains, adding to a fairly natural hued room depth and elegance.

Not a fan of purple? How about injecting a regal feel with a chesterfield sofa. Classic and elegant in style, fit for any queen.

Or how about this bed at Babington House.

Don't you just want to dive right in?!

Looking forward to the big event tomorrow and THE dress!

www.id-homes.co.uk

flower power

2011-04-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

I'm, feeling a bit under the weather, summer has made an early appearance in the UK and so has my summer cold! I'm feeling a bit pants but I think I am going to cheer myself up by buying a load of spring flowers for the house (that and some vicks!). Hopefully the flowers will last long enough that I will get to smell them, my nose can't stay bunged up for ever.

Flowers are the "bestest" home accessory ever. I have used flowers and flower arrangements as as inspiration for colour schemes, mother nature is the best interior designer! Styling a room with flowers that colour tone with the room scheme can look awesome. The image above and to the right are fantastic examples.
I'm hopeless at flowering arranging unlike the florist who came up with this gem below.

It doesn't have to be a fancy arrangement to make an impact, something simple and a bit quirky like this arrangement below can look just as stunning

Right off to get more tissues!
www.id-homes.co.uk

first things first!

2011-04-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

My book about traits of effective leadership is a bloody good read. One of the other traits of effective leadership is first things first. It should be gospel too when planning a room or house refurbishment.

I've picked up the pieces so many times after a builder has been in, radiators in the wrong place (leaving no space for furniture) , sockets in the wrong place or not enough of them or clients buying furniture without checking it fits into the space first. Its has got to be the most expensive mistake not taking the time to do things in the right order.

So don't start any work without doing "first things first".

Even if you don't have the budget to do everything you want at once do the messy or architectural things first. Its about prioritising your spend and to a certain extent being brave about what you do spend. I have learnt my lesson the hard way. All my life I have renovated houses and over the last decade as a developer looking to maximise profit. Sometimes you have to admit that sometimes spending less can be a false economy. Once of my first developments was an amazing Victorian house, the surveyor tried to convince me that spending an extra £10k on knocking the kitchen through to the diner would create an amazing space. I didn't do it as I wanted to stick to my budget. The first viewing took place when the house was finished for sale and turned it down as they wanted an open plan living dining space! I missed my chance the market slowed down and I had to drop the price by 25k to sell it. Wish I had upped my budget.

Any way start at the beginning -
Start with space - if walls or doors needs to come down or move do it, it may add value to the property which you'll recoup when you sell.

Furniture, existing and potentially new furniture, draw a room to scale on paper and do the same for your your furniture and move it around on the plan until you get a logical floor plan. Its much easier than lugging furniture around too!

Do the same for Lighting and electrical points - where will the lights go, where will the sockets need to be, will I need more or to move them to work with my floor plan. Even with kitchens before you get seduced by the glossy brochures start with a b&w plan which sets out ergonomically what could work.

Same with colours, put all your fabrics, wall colours and floor covering samples on a board, don't buy anything until you are sure that you can get materials that will go together. I have seen projects where a colour or tile has been chosen and implemented only for the client to take years to find a flooring or fabric to go with it.

Even think about whether radiators can be moved to make them less visible or make room for more furniture. We've just had a client agree to remove their existing hall radiator which is about 1.5m long and replace it with a vertical one which is only 0.5m wide. Which now means we can fit in a neat storage unit in to the space. The whole space is going to look so much better.

Doing the space planning stuff move may cost more money up front (moving rads, adding sockets) but needn't be a bank breaker, it will give you better results and anything thing else will be just be a compromise.

www.id-homes.co.uk
lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.bathinteriordesign@blogspot.com

it's not grey, it's not beige…. its greige

2011-04-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

…it's Greige. I think my natural style is to gravitate towards a simple, uncomplicated natural look and I think its why I am quite taken with the whole concept of Greige (unfinished, raw and natural). Its got simplicity but a subtle drama and touch of theatre if styled with accessories sized to add impact.
That mix up of grey and beige tones delivers a calm and contemporary look. Mix it up with decorative antiques and vintage junk shop finds and it creates a really stunning look.

For more greige inspiration head over to http://greigedesign.blogspot.com/ for everything beautifully greige.

www.id-homes.co.uk

www.bathinteriordesign@blogger.com

begin with the end in mind!

2011-04-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

My previous life as strategist and business consultant sometimes rears it head and I end up intellectualising the whole interiors design process. I was reading one of my fave blogs www.abigailahern.wordpress.com, and it got me thinking, she was writing about the quest to help clients define their individual style. To me that's just half the battle the next step is sticking to a style. I have come across lots of homes where different styles have been designed in every room. May be individual, but wow, it makes the house feeling really unrestful and not at all calm. I've done it myself I have wanted to create a contemporary look then drifted and the look has its ended up more traditional in other rooms.

Then this came to mind – Steven Covey a immanent american management guru said that one of the 7 traits of highly successful leadership is to “begin with the end in mind” . Crikey this should apply to anybody about to decorate their homes house!! Evolve and mix and match but begin with an overall end style in mind.

Key musts

Overall style. Rip out images from books, magazines of furniture, room sets, colours and styles. Find the common thread that attracts them to you, is it a colour theme that inspiring you, is it a french vintage style or cottagey look. Then create a collage or mood board. Think about the colours, shapes and textures that are part of this style. Use it to remind yourself what it is your trying to achieve. When your making that choice on say a sofa or a light refer back to your board to check it fits. Stay focussed it will save you money in the long term. I have seen so many spaces where furniture has been bought randomly only for it to jar with existing pieces.

Regroup - look at what you already have if it doesn't fit me ruthless, find a new space for it elsewhere, store it away, sell it or see if it can be customised to fit in with the style you are trying to achieve.

Colour - If you are thinking about decorating a whole house create a colour board and experiment with colours on this. Put together shades of colours which come from the same colour family or if their from different colour families make sure that the are toning colours.

For example Colour families - Farrown and Balle Skimming Stone, Elephants breath, Charleston Grey

Shopping - try rationalising where you shop, it will stop you from wandering!. Look for shops that sell items that focus on the look your after. Country Cottage try Garden Trading, oriental try Andrew Martin.

Fittings - minimise the number of floor coverings through the house. If you do have different floor coverings make sure the tones of the wood, carpet of tile tones. I once counted 14 different floor coverings in a house it makes spaces feel really small.

www.id-homes.co.uk

hello Doily

2011-04-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am a bit of a fan of vintage and love finding ways of incorporating a vintage look into homes. One thing I'm an now itching to design is an interior with a a doily design feature, inspired after coming across this post at dos family where they've created an amazing doily lampshade.

I forgot how versatile, these once passe, little things can be. These are some of the amazing doily designs I have come across

lace lamp

Update a plain vase with a fabric Doily

http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/decorate-with-vintage-doilies-0408

Add the to a simple cushion cover.

http://racheldenbow.blogspot.com/2010/01/doily-pillow-tutorial.html

or even if you can't find a place for them in the home then why not personalise presents with paper doily's.

http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2010/12/fun-doily-wrapped-package.html

http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/2010/12/brown-paper-packages-tied-up-with-string.html

www.id-homes.co.uk

colour me happy

2011-03-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

Most clients tend towards neutral hues or grey-tones shades. But there is nothing like shaking things up with a bit of colour. The Spring/Summer 2011 collections was filled with blocks of bright colours.

At the moment I'm designing a room where hot colours are the focus. Energetic, warm and fun.

But if you happened to be a little colour shy, colour can still be added with accessories to brighten up your home without being to overpowering.

This multi coloured stripey stair carpet is the ultimate colour pick me up. An instant shot of cheer!

www.id-homes.co.uk

Vintage finds

2011-03-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Still adding to my collection of vintage finds. Yes there is no hope for me I am a complete junk-aholic. I found this beautiful Remington typewriter when I was up in Sheffied with my son looking at uni's. I think I fancied typing on it a-la Miss MoneyPenny!

I was in Chepstow last week and found a pile of old music sheets at 50p each. I think they are going to look great framed in a black in someones bedroom. Sometimes I feel like selling my house for something smaller ( less housework!) but then I worry where would I put all my gems (junk)!

www.id-homes.co.uk

Sugary Sweet, an easter treat!

2011-03-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

With the sun finally shining and spring upon us I am so looking forward to packing away the black and grey woolly jumpers that have seen me through this very cold and snowy winter and swap them for floaty fabrics and colourful shades of spring.

And I'm not the only one. Every store from fashion to supermarket are filled with the sugary sweet colours that always remind me so much of ( yum yum!) Cadburys mini eggs.

I'd love to create a room filled with the pastel shades of spring. I think it would be difficult to ever be sad in a pretty and pastel filled home.

www.id-homes.co.uk

Express yourself

2011-03-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Affirmations no longer need be written on the mirror in lipstick (aka Charlotte in Sex in the City style) Poetry, words of wisdom or inspiration are no longer being confined to the humble page. Typography has so many possibilities in terms of design, just find a space or an accessory that needs a bit of typographic renovation and voila the written word can transform a simple cushion, the plainest of walls or even stairs.

Brume.co.uk has a great selection of Wordy stickers for an easy peasy design solution

www.id-homes.co.uk

Feng Shui home tips

2011-03-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Not saying I am an expert in anything to do with Feng shui, but the principles make a lot of sense. If little things can improve the harmony of the home I think they are definitely worth incorporating.

Firstly get rid of clutter especially in your most used room. Clutter is negative and can supposedly disrupt the flow of chi, which is life energy. I certainly find it hard working, let alone find anything, in my office if there is any sort of clutter.

Store clutter away and fill with pictures of loved ones or happy memories to ‘allow positive energy, "qi," to flow throughout your home’

Yin Colours -Colour can affect the mood of your home. Yellow’s and orange are very happy colours and helps promote vitality and creativity. In terms of Feng shui-ing your home, these colours are best used in the kitchen or office space. Or if you don’t fancy a complete colour change add yellow accessories or orange flowered pot plants to improve the rooms energy.

Greens and blues are great calming colours and best used in living rooms and bedrooms.

Purple represents nobility, abundance, and dignity. It is very soothing and calming and is often related to intuition and spirituality. Depending on the shade, it can create a very romantic atmosphere in the bedroom.

White is a symbol of purity and cleanliness, so it is a fantastic color to use in the bathroom.

For more on Feng Shui and colours visit:

http://www.fengshuisociety.org.uk/
http://www.feng-shui-and-beyond.com/feng-shui-colors.html

www.id-homes.co.uk
love where you live

make an entrance

2011-03-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hallways are often the least thought about spaces in our houses.
They often end up a dumping ground or the opposite a little empty. But the space is an important psychological scene setter. Its where we should leave the stress of the outside world and step into an oasis of calm!

I love how this entrance combines the old with the new, traditional furniture with a stunning but simple contemporary staircase

Another fantastic effect mixing traditional architectural detail with contemporary furniture

Runners turn an ordinary space into something special

This my favourite entrance, but then I would say that. I designed and painted the floors myself to create a calm haven!

www.id-homes.co.uk
facebook - interior design bath

The blind side

2011-03-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

I loved the film The Blind Side, the story was lovely. The only distraction for me was the role Sandra Bullock played of Leigh Anne Tuohy who's career portrayed quietly in the film and in real life is an interior designer. I silently chortled as I watched her play out her private and work life plagued by phone calls about missing products, failed deliveries, wrong deliveries, successfully side swiping them so she can deal with some drama unfolding in her private life. I thought that Sandra Bullock mastered to perfection the knack of acting out unflustered with a quiet air of exasperation!

Coincidentally I was watching some home makeover program recently , DIY sos, the interior designer on set looked quietly stressed as she discovered the windows she has ordered and waiting for installation didn' quite fit the opening. I know its wrong to gloat, but god it is great to see it all happening to someone else!

My stress level was on overload today dealing with a curtain track fitter with man flu who was too weak to hold the drill, new lamps being installed fused the switch, and the phone went so many times I hardly had time to write down another "to do" on my to do list before it would go off again. But I too have perfected the interior design smile of calm while inwardly going into meltdown!

Never mind only another week or 2 of melt down to go and it should all calm down. In the mean time I am going to plan my escape to a spa of choice to recuperate, here are my favourites (mandarin oriental NYC and soho house). Mmm oh to relax!

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk
interior design bath

Free as a bird

2011-02-27T03:11:00.000-08:00

I love finding unusual home accessories, I've been on the look-out for a Vintage Birdcage for a while. There have been quite a few I have liked but none that I loved until I found the one below and a bargain to boot at £5 (it just needed a lick of paint). Got it at the Saturday morning scrum at Rolfeys (rolfeys.co.uk) in Bath, he loads up with lots of new stock on the weekend and it attracts a host of regular antique hunters. Its a great place for finding great vintage stuff.

Got the usual ribbing when I brought my find home about filling the house with junk!

But there are so many things that you could do with a birdcage. Hang jewellery off the rails, display candles or even flowers inside.

For an interesting twist anangelatmytable.co.uk do noticeboards and mirrors with a birdcage theme.

Or turn them into a funky and individual light. Like this one from Zuzu's Petals

www.id-homes.co.uk
bath interior design

I left my heart in...

2011-02-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

New York city.
I am getting withdrawal symptoms, if I were given the choice to live anywhere in the world I would like to give NYC a go. I love the pace of the place the stores, hotels it is a truly inspiring place.

My love of vintage drew me toward shareen vintage. It looks like an apartment building, a red dress hanging from the railings is the only indicator of the hidden treasure trove of vintage fare hidden inside. Its a great place for inspiring colours and patterns.

When I find a reason to visit again I've already decided on my dream accommodation. The Mondrian Soho is opening its doors March 2011.

The Alice in wonderland style garden (pictured above) and interior styling looks like it is going to be spectacular. Normally I would prefer the freedom of staying in an apartment but I may have to stay at the Mondrian for 'interior research' purposes.

www.mondriansoho.com
www.shareenvintage.com

www.id-homes.co.uk
www.bathinteriordesign@blogspot.com

Eco Chic

2011-02-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

I attended a talk by Oliver Heath who speaking about incorporating environmental features into interior design projects. Great talk and lots of great ideas. He has a book Urban Eco Chic , which is a really good source book of environment friendly interior ideas and contacts.

Switch to energy saving light bulbs has got to be a great move (switching an old 100W bulb with a green 200W bulb will save you £7 a year, which may not seem like much until you add up how many light bulbs you have in your house. I don't like energy saving bulbs them on aesthetic grounds but I have been turned by Hulgers light bulbs. Hulger’s Plumen lightbulb uses 80% less energy, last 8 times longer and look amazing.

Think soft furnishings.

Velvet Drapes, carpeted floors, will all help to retain heat. Especially in old houses with original windows. If you have bare wood, timber floors can be insulated by laying mineral wool under the floorboards. Or for some added heat go Blue Peter style and fit foil behind radiators. Half the heat from most radiators goes straight out the back and, usually, so fit reflective foil panels behind your radiators.

Soho house Berlin

Don't buy new, recycle what you have, recover, repaint or buy vintage. I have never know what to tell clients to do with old carpets on projects where we are supplying new carpets. But I have now found companies which will take your old carpets and use the waste to create new plastics products.
www.greenback-recycling.co.uk www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

Live like a princess... rule like a queen

2011-02-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

With the Kings speech nominated for 12 Oscars and Kate Middleton and Prince Williams' impending wedding, never has there been more enthusiasm for all things royal. There's no need to get out the union jacks yet but you could get in the mood by adopting a regal touch in the home.

Go mad with crest emblazoned pillows, crockery and crown covered wallpaper. Keep it contemporary by keeping colours neutral and you'll be right on track to live like royalty. And inspired by all things truly British I fancy a hearty slice of Victoria Sponge. Just to find my butler first…. mmmmm…Geeves!

Wallpaper - Graham and Brown

Mug and frame - Not on the high street

crown hanger - Graham and Green

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

'When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew'

2011-02-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Though not one to buy completely into the tradition of cards, flowers and huge declaration's of love etc (though admittedly I wouldn't return any thing given to me of course) who am I to begrudge a day celebrating love. So in true Valentines spirit, hear are a few of my favourite valentine inspired accessories for around the home.

Heart shaped Trinket box- Notonthehighstreet.com

Cushion - www.rockkettstgeorge.co.uk

Fancy making a statement in the living room? how about a deep pink love seat to spice things up.

Sofa- Heals

Or if you fancy going all out for a romantic night in adorn your table with some very creative love themed accessories.

http://www.delish.com/

Lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

book worm

2011-02-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

Books are wonderful. They can allow you to escape into a realm of fantasy, help you achieve your goals or can help you lose yourself completely for a couple of minutes or hours every day.
If you have a extensive collection of books don't hide them away in the attic or in the closet. Display them proudly, display your inner bookworm.

Stack them high, colour co-ordinate them, build shelves into walls, doors or simple tie them together and display them.

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

W

2011-02-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

With the 2012 olympics creeping ever near, London is getting ready for one of the greatest events in the sporting calendar. Bars, restaurants and hotels are opening continuously; ready and waiting for the masses to arrive at London's doorstep. The latest arrival to appear soon in the city caught my eye, the hotel chain W.
In the heart of theatre land W hotel opens it's first UK hotel in leicester Square on 14 February.

The building is completely glass fronted allowing the guests the freedom to watch the world go by and in the evening enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in one of its many contemporary and space age inspired rooms and with David Gandy and Helen Christensen fronting their ad campaign it's certainly one to watch.

Watch the campaign here

lisa@id-homes.co.uk

www.id-homes.co.uk

Bursting at the seams.

2011-01-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

No room inside the house, who else but IKEA would come up with an idea to store your possessions outside your window in a storage utility box. Potentially an idea best left on the drawing board.

A better way to hide your clutter potentially is under your stairs, its a great place to store and organise your belongings. Or if theres no room under the stairs then why not try in the stairs!

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

home comforts

2011-01-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

Home sweet home. Question is what makes a house a home? There's nothing better than coming home, the moment you walk through the door you feel totally relaxed in your own space. Whether it's being greeted by loved ones, the smell of home cooking or sinking into your own bed, there's something very comforting about being around the things you love.

On the subject of beds I am very close to convincing the other half to agree to a new bed. Its The Angelica from sofa.com named after its 'wing' like head board it comes in a range of sizes, colours and fabric. After months of searching for the right one I can't wait for the day I to sink into it but waking up in the morning is going to be even harder, I know I won't want to get out of it.

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk
love where you live

utilise your utility room

2011-01-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Not every home has one but more and more modern houses have a utility room which is often overlooked when it comes to design. Often a great place to hide washing machines, ironing boards and all those other objects you have no place for in the rest of the house. A clutter free and organised utility or laundry room can make the whole process of having to clean that much more bearable. Using baskets and vintage jars can help organise sewing kits and cleaning products and makes finding everything that much easier. A little effort and a bit of colour can change a dreary room that you shut the door to every time someone comes round to another room that you enjoy walking into.

And for those of you not afraid of colour I love this utility room posted on room envy with the retro laundry line and pop of yellow against the blue walls.

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

love where you live

day dreamer

2011-01-24T03:45:00.000-08:00

When summer still feels too far away and the days feel dark and gloomy I can't help but fantasise about living in a warm far off country.

And if I could choose any home this would be one of my first choices. Bridle road residence in Cape Town.

The architecture designed by Antonio Zaninovic creates a sense of openness and elegance with its clean lines and minimal interior and the extensive picture frame windows fills the space with natural light. The way the house has been designed takes full advantage of the full panoramic view of Cape Town. I can imagine my self standing on the terrace with a warm breeze blowing on my face.

Some how can't imagining find anywhere like this in Bath!

Bridle Road Residence

www.coolhunter.co.uk/architecture

lisa@id-homes.co.uk

www.id-homes.co.uk

pretty in pink

2011-01-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Pink as a colour can be a little overwhelming in a room, unless your designing

a child's room then the more pink the better!

Any little girl I think would be thrilled to have a room like this one in Home & Gardens Australia.

But for more of a grown up approach giving pink a vintage touch keeps the look feminine but
not over-powering. For a room I've done recently I used old books I found in a junk shop and art deco style cut glass bottles and jars to accessorise the room and kept the pink to a dusky oyster shade for a grown up girls look.

Pink shouldn'y necessarily be left to the bedroom. I stumbled across this beautiful pale pink bathroom that any girl would be proud to call her own.

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

www.id-homes.co.uk

love story

2011-01-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

I was invited to attend a careers fair at a local school recently. It was brilliantly organised there were representatives from all sorts of jobs. I was surprised I thought I would get a approached by a few of the girls but ended up answering questions non stop for a couple of hours. I got asked lots about why and how I had ended up doing what I do. I hadn't really thought about it that much, Why indeed!
I know its something I get really passion about. I think it is driven by a need to make everything beautiful! I love watching clients see their house transform into a home that they love living in. I love organising and problem solving which is key to making things happen.

I am sticking with the love theme, going to watch Love Story this weekend and inspired by falling completely in love with the 70's fashion vibe going on in the high street at the moment (I have invested in some flares!)

This 70's thing is not just for the fashion followers, bring your flare for the seventies into the home with key pieces.

Leave the lava lamps in the attic and find furniture with clean lines and futuristic shapes resembling those of the early g-plan furniture.

Fancy just a hint of the seventies in your home then accessories like

a trim phone or psychedelic print like this one from room39 will add a touch of colour and seventies vibe to any room.

phone- wild and wolf

chair - ecol at chachacha.co.uk

pillow- room39.co.uk

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

too cool for school

2011-01-11T04:15:00.000-08:00

Samantha Roddick daughter of Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, has recently renovated her 4 storey home in London. Design team Adam Hills and Maria Spike from Retrouvius in Kensal Green were called in to help with parts of the project. As well has creating a concrete fireplace hearth they have laid unfinished reclaimed school desktops as flooring in the lounge area to great effect. So innovative, unique and quirky, love, love, love the idea . Retrouvius also stocks amazing reclaimed furniture, lighting, mirrors which are available to buy online . It is one of my favourite online retailers, you just have to keep coming back as new things are posted frequently and sell just as fast. www.retrouvius.com

www.id-homes.co.uk

pack it in!

2010-12-06T14:08:00.001-08:00

I am such a hoarder, I hate chucking things out, you just never know when they could come in handy again. I spotted the image below of 2 crocodile leather suitcase in a magazine and it reminded me I had some in the attic!

I have had my 2 Vintage Suitcases in the attic for the last god knows how many years. I think they have moved house with us many times but I've never quite found the right place for them. But I have dusted them down and they have now provided a nifty storage solution for all my bedroom "stuff" like hairdryers and have become a handy showcase place for my vintage bags. I was starting to despair there is so little storage place in our house, I am glad that I didn't chuck them out, could just do with finding a few more now!

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

tick tock....

2010-12-06T14:05:00.001-08:00

I love collections of things, mirrors, ornaments, whatever really that creates visual impact, or interest. If its a little bit quirky all the better. I spotted this image recently, this eclectic mix of battered and ancient alarm clocks is ever so sweet.

Lisa@id-homes.co.uk

http://www.id-homes.co.uk/

love where you live

the power of three

2010-12-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

I am working in the dining room it feels a bit more festive in there than in my office. Need sunglasses though the light is really bright because of the snow reflecting off the ground outside, but it's a beautiful view to look.

Most thoughts of staying in during the cold weather revolve around cosy warm fires, lots of cosy colours and throws. In contrast this bedroom looks xmasy but in a wintry way!
I thought the room looked beautiful but a bit stark. Although I love the simplicity and perfection of the way the accent colours are balanced. A perfect styling example of the theory of the power of three. The off black connected in the woodwork colour, throw and lampshade, and the gold reflected in the lamp base, mirror and colours in the rug.
love the styling but it needs warming up, and so do I, I'm off to put another jumper on!

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

lover where you live

shelved

2010-12-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

I think spring cleaning is so overrated its the pre and post Xmas clear outs which are the most thearaptic! A good clear out pre xmas to make room for all those fab pressies and the post xmas clear out to get rid of those less than usefull pressies!

My new years resolution (in addition to having an alchohol free month) is to master the art of de-cluttering. No more overspilling drawers and stuff falling out when cupboard doors are opened. So I've been having a clear out over over the holidays and rearranging my shelves and cabinets so for at least a few weeks my home looks show house pristine. It does require some willpower to put only the best of your belongings on show. But less is more!

Kitchens are the hardest to style, so much easier to leave applinaces, cups and hardware on countertops, but it can just end up looking like a student kitchen. A great strategy is to collect items that look great left out and you just can't go wrong with white crockery, glasse and wooden bowls. These images show just how stylish it can look

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

love where you live

recycled xmas

2010-12-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

Yikes only a few days to go till Xmas. I am not very prepared having been foiled by the weather, that's my excuse. I did order a few presents but they're stuck in the postal system so I braved the snow yesterday and walked into town to get a few pressies. I managed to forget the wrapping paper though, what a twit. It made me improvise, I used some brown paper, string and I cut off the ends of the Xmas tree to add a bit of colour and stuck it through the bows .
It was fun having to be bit more creative, I think I am going to wrap the rest of the presents using newspaper and ribbon, thoroughly environmentally friendly!
I do love simple Xmas Decos. I Spotted this simple but pretty xmas styling idea as well, pine trees branches and candles to decorate window sills, very festive.

lisa@id-homes.co.uk
www.id-homes.co.uk

love where you live

xmas countdown

2010-11-30T12:07:00.001-08:00

snowflake stickers

I haven't bought a present yet or even started a list, nor ordered the turkey. I am surprisingly calm about it. Living in Bath has that sort of effect on you, being 5 mins walk from hundreds of amazing shops does breed complacency. I know its going to be a breeze to walk into town and shop till I drop.

The Xmas trees are about the only thing I have organised, 3 this year! One for the upstairs living room and and one for downstairs living room, both colour coordinated of course and my daughter wants to decorate the third with edible decorations, marshmallow and pop corn garlands and gingerbread decorations, sounds like a tasty idea.

The simplest things make the most lovely Xmas decorations. A huge bowl of oranges or fir cones, simple white candles and freshly cut foliage. Or go for a simple theme, I found these lovely snow flake stickers and snowflake tea light holder on www.Coxandcox.co.uk. If you have some lovely Xmas styling tips post them on

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Wild Wild West

“If a room is like an outfit, then lighting is the jewelry.”

Going 3D

A little Design..

Welcome to Miami.. bienvenido a Miami

radiating style.....

home office

Green Living

Frame it

Purple Passion

Capture a moment

Pack your suitcase and stay home.

Vintage find

'The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least i can dream' Marilyn Monroe

Fit for a Queen

flower power

first things first!

it's not grey, it's not beige…. its greige

begin with the end in mind!

hello Doily

colour me happy

Vintage finds

Sugary Sweet, an easter treat!

Express yourself

Feng Shui home tips

make an entrance

The blind side

Free as a bird

I left my heart in...

Eco Chic

Live like a princess... rule like a queen

'When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew'

book worm

W

Bursting at the seams.

home comforts

utilise your utility room

day dreamer

pretty in pink

love story

too cool for school

pack it in!

tick tock....

the power of three

shelved

recycled xmas

xmas countdown

all cozy wozy

dark and sultry

ballroom blitz

chop-chop

designer notes

techno fever 1

cupboard love

wall domination

single minded statement

sleepless in bath

wide open

ship shape!

space the final frontier.......

summer time and the living is easy.....

illuminating lighting mistakes!

style before substance

charlotte

simples!

Refound

entertainment built in

pushing up daisies

up the wall

Maximum Impact

hotel couture

land of my fathers

the art of deco

collectors item

cute as a button

I have seen the light

colour trauma!

the sweetest things - part 2

the sweetest thing - part 1