Favourite kid's wallpapers.

The fashion for wallpapers continues unabated into 2011...with trends towards 'vintage' still strong for fashion and interiors.

Here's a few Dreams and Wishes favourites...

Lizzie Allen...

Aimee Wilder...

Studio Ditte...love the buttons!

Ferm Living...

Isak...bold...fresh....Scandi...!

Loving these genuine vintage styles....try Hannah's Treasures, Rosie's Vintage, Second hand Rose.

Cath Kidston...high street vintage!

Designers Guild...love the 60's vibe....

Fuzzy Felt re-visited...

There I was, looking through pages of craft ideas...for making Valentine cards...when I found these simple instructions on making your very own Fuzzy Felt...!!!

Oh, the hours I spent creating stories from little pieces of felt stuck to a textured board.

I can see how, in these heady days of hi-tech toys and games, this may seem a little sad, but try making this simple Fuzzy Felt board, from Martha Stewart for your little ones this weekend and we'll see who's hogging it come Monday morning...!

Image from Amazon

Classic window decor for a family home.

I have a dilemma!
How to allow maximum natural light into my house without compromising on privacy...my house fronts onto the street...so I'm usually drawing the curtains mid afternoon so that I can turn on the lights without feeling 'exposed'.
I think the solution is going to be a classic set of wooden shutters, and here's why...

• A clssic design that will fit any interior style, from country cottage to modern apartment.



• Fully adjustable to let in maximum light while maintaining privacy.



• Easy to keep clean and suitable for dust allergy sufferers.



• Helps with home insulation and can help reduce heating costs.



• Increases the sale value of your home.



• Reduces external noise levels.



• Hardwearing and durable so don't have to be replaced.

Need I say more...? Oh yes! They look absolutely beautiful...

Just a touch of red will do...

As we approach Valentine's Day, it seems appropriate to look at ideas for decorating with red...the colour of passion and energy!

Feng Shui experts recommend adding touches of red in a child's bedroom, for a cosy feel without over-stimulation.

Try a new lampshade or a collection of painted picture frames, a few cushions or a rug perhaps...?

A few Dreams and Wishes favourites to get you in the mood.

Images from Habitually Chic, Martha Stewart, Retro Villa, Deco Archive and Decorology

Classic design for every interior...Eames.

Yesterday was a blur of commitments and rushing about here, there and everywhere....so I didn't get a chance to blog.

And all I could think about from late afternoon onwards is having a bit of a 'power-nap' and a cup of tea...! My ideal location for this moment of indulgence..? An eames lounge chair and ottoman, just like this one.....bliss...!

Charles and 'Ray' Eames were a husband and wife team who, in the 40's and 50's, produced a wealth of furniture, textile and architectural ideas based on the ideal '...better living through better design...'.

Some of their furniture designs are reproduced by Italian company Vitra and, whilst 'pricey', they are a real design investment.

These are a few of my favourite Eames kid's ideas........

Photos courtesy of LivingEtc, Ohdeedoh, Inhabitots and Stardust.

Upcycling is the 'new black'...

It used to be so simple didn't it...? You either recycled or you didn't.

Now we're recycling, precycling, downcycling and upcycling....!!

I can't say I completely understand the exact terminology for each 'cycle' but they make it kid friendly at Planet Pals.

Talking of which...there's nothing more unique in a kids room than your own recycled design feature...whether it be a repainted piece of second-hand furniture or cushions made out of old jeans...! Planet Pals call it Refashioning'...I like that!!

Junk shops and car boot sales are a treasure-trove of potential D.I.Y. upcycling projects...start off small with ideas for lamps or soft furnishings and keep in mind how or where at home you can best use anything you find. If you're anything like me...too many projects ongoing at any one time...give yourself a break and stick to one or two projects at a time.

If you're seeking inspiration as to what can be achieved then take a look at Re's website...or The Old Cinema...for great ideas. You may find what you're looking for without even having to lift a paint brush.

Cute little bedside table given the minimal upcycling treatment...

Old jelly moulds for lamp shades...

Just add castors...for fun storage boxes....

'Rough and tumble' proof soft furnishings....

A weekend in the loft is planned...

Believe me...if my loft looked anything like this, I'd be happy to lock myself away up there for eternity....

Unfortunately, it's in need of a 'sort-out'...big time!!

So, armed with binbags, boxes and a flask of tea...I'll be occupied for some time, me thinks!

I'll leave you with some more inspirational attic spaces.....

Think of me...if only briefly....

Images include Coastal Living, HusoHem,