More of my IKEA buys.

Photography and styling Samantha Stansbridge

All Photography and styling Samantha Stansbridge

Armed with a few more flip top jars, bought on my recent trip to IKEA,  I've been busy  decanting up my muesli and granola dust.   Granola dust, by the way, can also be used for making great pancakes.
Maybe I'll make some over the weekend....

Large KOREN flip top jar IKEA, smaller one De Gruchy Jersey. White bowl Maxwell Williams from the White basics range. 

The Weekend In Photographs

We arrived in St. Malo on Friday at 11.00 am but didn't make it out of the harbour until much later that day,   Long story short, my daughter was transporting snakes to be rehomed in France, but  a mix-up with the paperwork meant that the French customs decided to hold us until 4.00pm!  The Jersey end had given us  incorrect documents for entering France with snakes, and the French didn't like it, so after  few phone calls to and from Jersey, a fine of 280.00 Euros, and a photo shoot of said snakes with what seemed to be the entire  French customs department, we finally got on our way at around 4.00 pm!  

We arrived at IKEA just after 5.00pm which seemed to be a really great time to shop because it was virtually empty and I have never known Ikea to be that quiet!  Perfect for taking  a few photos on my phone, for inspiration later. 

This sofa is now on my wish list, it's actually very comfy, I like the traditional feel of it but with an updated edge to it.

This photo collection caught my eye, something I might try out at home.

Images taken on Samsung Mini 3 Styling IKEA

I also managed to get most of the items on my shopping list, with a couple of exceptions, but all in all, I am pretty pleased with my little IKEA bundle of goodies that I bought, and totally enjoyed browsing around the room sets getting ideas and inspiration. 

Create a Bohemian / Traveller vibe

Wicker Tea Light  £5 Elephant £7-£10  Hurricane lamp £10 Triple wick candle £8.00

At the risk of sounding slightly repetitive, I've been to B&Q again (see here here and oh yes here,)  and spotted some more new items in our local DIY store which I'm loving, and in case you are wondering, no, I haven't been paid to go one about them, but I'm thinking of making myself a B&Q ambassador, haha  (it's my answer to IKEA here in Jersey, and if we had IKEA, I'd probably spend the other half of my time there too) I thought these pieces would be ideal if you wanted to add a hint of the bohemian / traveller vibe to your interiors. 

Unfourtunalty the Elephant had sold out already when I went back today to get it, but I did pick up the triple  wick  vanilla candle, which smells divine,  and the black wicker tea light, perfect for creating a little evening ambience.

Styling and photography by me!

Monday Must Have's Get the Look.

Foto: Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör Photographer: Fredrik Karlsson J

Foto: Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör Photographer: Fredrik Karlsson J

Foto: Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör Photographer: Fredrik Karlsson J

I'm a sucker for those Scandinavian, Nordic Real Estate websites showcasing beautifully styled homes in lovely period properties, and I'm a regular visitor to the Alvhem website to check out the latest beautifully styled apartments, (I'm convinced somewhere in my family history we have some Scandinavian ancestors, I'm just so drawn to this style) and get some inspiration for my own home, and I'm checking out what is available closer to home in order to create the look, so I've been busy making this little mood board using some items from Wayfair.co.uk  the one with that catchy tune.

The Essentials for a Scandinavian look.

A period property (ideal but not essential)

Bare floorboards (or fake it) 

White walls

Lots of natural light

Mix old with new pieces

Big sumptuous bed

Mixed fabrics in linen, and furs

A touch of industrial lighting.

Natural Dyed Throw, Ladder bookshelf, sheepskin rug, round side table, Clamp Lamp, Art,  Cushion, Faux plants, Bed Spread.

Okay so you might not be lucky enough to have the period property or bare floorboards, but you can still achieve a pretty good look none the less.  Keep the colour palette simple, whites neutral and greys mixed with natural materials such as woods, linens, furs, textured throws and velvets.  Mix old and new together such as an old set of draws or a bureau,   add a splash of industrial with clamp lamps and concrete plant pots, place a ladder against the wall and use it to hang your favourite party dress on and some fashion magazines and you're about done!  

New Spring Collections From B&Q to Fall in Love With.

Images B&Q 

Last week we popped into our local B&Q for some light bulbs, (you'd think that an easy task, but have you seen light bulb aisles lately? thankfully a member of staff pointed me in the right direction) and as always I couldn't help but wonder around the aisles as you do, to see what's new. Needless to say, I left with an arm full of wallpaper samples (see which one I took a shine to on my Instagram feed) as the new spring collections are starting to filter into the stores, and I have to say I'm impressed with what's on offer, I'm loving the pastel shade and chevron accessories from the Summer Daze collection, (tops set of photos) but also love the nordic inspired look available in the Kasbah collection. There are two other collections in the series also, Meadow, which is all about bringing the outdoors in, and A Touch Of Luxe inspired by golds and metallics. Which is your favourite Look?