Most of us have got one. A boring bog standard (excuse the pun) bathroom which is barely big enough to swing a cat in. And whilst I dream of a bathroom with a roll top bath, separate shower and oodles of storage - I am currently having to make do with what we’ve got. So I thought I’d share some quick and easy ideas to introduce character in the boring, last on the list room.
I’m writing this on a dreary Monday afternoon as the winds howls and the rain lashes down so it’s hard to believe that we’re in Summer and not in Winter like it feels. It still is British Summertime technically so I thought I’d share some of the mini trends that are flying around in the interiors world at the moment. These are all trends designed to make you smile and spark joy, which is something we all need after the dismal start to 2020. So without further ado…
Corona Virus cancelled all plans for 2020 from just meeting your friend for a coffee to going on holiday. The Staycation trend is all about bringing the holiday to your home instead. Think Mallorca vibes as you liven up the dreary living room with a candy coloured cushion. Channel your inner Ibizan with a rattan shade over the breakfast bar. Bring the tropical inside through prints and colours - make that holiday feel last all year round. Below are some of my top picks for this trend which won’t look out of place mixing in with your current decor.
Statement Vases
Vases are no longer just an after thought for the bunch of flowers you impulsively bought out and about. They no longer live at the back of the cupboard only to be brought out on birthdays. Vase are a decorative item in their own right and can be displayed with or without flowers. I constantly have vases on display long after the flowers have died. They can add to that perfect shelfie or be a centre piece on the table all on their own. The trend for statement vases is all about going bold. Pick vases that represent your personality and are ornaments in their own right.
Dried Flowers
The following bouquets were loaned from The Flower Lounge for this blog. See my Instagram for a chance to win one of these bunches.
Once banished to your Nan’s parlour to collect dust, dried flower bouquets are having a bit of a renaissance at the moment. And for good reason too; they are low-maintenance (just need a bit of dusting every now and then), they are also eco-friendly as they last longer than cut flowers plus aren’t made of plastic like the faux varieties.
For this summer, it’s time get bold - the bolder the better in my opinion. Mixing bright, clashing colours in a variety of shapes gives an instant focal point to any room. The long stemmed dried grasses can add height and fill those statement vases which is sometimes hard to do with fresh flowers.
There’s also room for the lovely neutral grasses which would love fab in any Scandi environment and The Flower Lounge also have a vast array of those too. They are now offering UK wide delivery so it’s no longer just us Manchester folks who get to shop the beautiful creations Sian and the team make.
Arches
Arch shapes are nothing new but they became very prominent at the Salone Del Mobile in 2019 and have since ventured into all aspects of homeware. With the popularity of the NHS rainbow symbol that swept the world, Arches are now popping up in prints, vases and even lights. The softness of the curve adds a sense of playfulness to the home and this trend shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. I have linked some quirky items which are the epitome of the trend in my eyes.
Home Comforts
It will come as no surprise that Home has a more important meaning than ever. This trend is all about making home feel comfortable for you. Whether that’s a treasured teapot or a chunky throw, home comforts are personal and should bring you joy. It’s all about the senses, touch, smell, sight…anything to bring happiness into your space is perfect.
So that’s it. 5 micro trends I predict will be big over the summer months. Which one is your favourite? Will you be trying any of these ideas out in your homes? Let me know in the comments below :)
Also don’t forget to pin this graphic below in case you want to come back at a later stage! Have a good day!
Image Creds
1: https://www.facebook.com/tellemeretellefillefr/photos/a.193602790771717/1950101751788470
2: https://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/girl-power-vase.html
3. Northern Styling Image
4: http://inagblog.com/2019/07/simon-kaempfer/
5: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/672866000557411838/feedback/?invite_code=a87f1325945a4861b4f8df062e28f6ef&sender_id=299067368913528949
Full disclosure that this was done as part of a collaboration with Dulux using previously gifted paint but I wanted to share as it can be done with literally any paint you have lying around.
We bought these Ikea picture shelves when we first moved in 4 years ago. They went up on the walls before we even bought any furniture. Slowly slowly, I am changing up the living room and introducing more colour so the Spiced Honey paint seemed to be the perfect choice. I have a few cushions and prints in similar tones so I knew it wouldn't look out of place.
If in doubt, paint a bit of card and hold it up against the wall colour you already have to check if it works together.
Proof that the shelves were up before the furniture - Jan 2016
The paint was Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood which can also be used on metal - hello radiators! I didn't need a primer, I just gave them a good clean and a little sand where they had chipped. It only took two coats for full coverage so it was all done and dusted within an afternoon.
Once dry and rehung, it's my time to style them. As most of you know by now, I love to style these shelves with a mixture of objects and prints, and changing the items up is a sure fire way to make a room look refreshed without spending a penny.
I bought in some of the warmer toned prints to sit alongside a few objects. The prints I have removed have all been re-homed around the house, updating many rooms at once without even realising it.
So that’s it! A quick and easy way to instantly update shelves using things you already have lying around the house. I’d love to know what you’re planning to upcycle in your home. Comment here or DM me on Instagram :)
