Pallet for Home

I love Scandinavian fabrics. The simplicity of the geometrical patterns and the strong colours have been used for decades but are still so timeless and work well in most interiors - contemporary or traditional. Marimekko is an obvious name in the 'Scandi' fabric design world, but I have recently discovered Lotta Jansdotter, who makes the most stunning prints and whose fabrics I have incorporated in many of my cushions. One day I might try and design my own Scandi-style fabrics, but for now I source beautiful material already available.

Here are some cushions I have made recently using various Scandinavian fabrics.

(PS: If you like this style, I do take commissions and can make a set for your own home, based on the colour scheme of your interior. Just contact me for a free consultation!)

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039140935/

I don't know about you, but I have started to get the woolly socks and winter blankets out of the cupboard. We had a great warm and sunny few days up here in Aberdeenshire last weekend, but I think that really was the last bit of summer. Flipflops can be put away (as if we ever wear them here in Scotland! ;-), winter boots can come out.

On Pinterest I have been pinning some nice photos of colourful interiors lately and since we'll be spending more time indoors now summer is over, I am sharing some ideas on how to bring warmth and happiness in your home with colourful lounges and bedrooms and great wall displays. I hope you like them.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416038835886/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039127189/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039127187/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039116621/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039140937/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039127183/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039140936/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416038784839/

http://pinterest.com/pin/255086766363515988/

http://pinterest.com/pin/173036810653362833/

So we are having some freakish weather up here in Scotland. Barbecues and sun hats one day, 10cm of snow the next. What's going on?! Anyway, nothing we can do about it but go with the flow (or snow for that matter). I had to get an extra blanket out the cupboard the past few days to keep warm and got the idea to actually go and stock up on beautiful hand crocheted 'granny' blankets for my etsy shop too.
Really beautiful ones (in up to date rather colours than seventies ones) are hard to come by though. Maybe I should find a local granny to make me some. Or learn to crochet myself...!

Here are some nice blankets I sold recently and one that I have just added to my shop.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037518052/

I'm not big on Valentines Day myself, but I do love a bit of red! I have gathered some inspirational images of interiors with red furniture, red artwork, red fridges, red walls, red doors and red anything else.

Hope you like it. Spread the LOVE.

http://pinterest.com/pin/68719846607/

http://pinterest.com/pin/20266267042644029/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037848142/

http://img4.coastalliving.com/i/2009/06/redwhiteblue-9-l.jpg

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037848140/

http://spookyhome.tumblr.com/post/4108147260

http://designismine.blogspot.com/2010/05/interior-inspiration-random-rooms.html

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88092887/patchwork-cushion-cover-red-apples-and

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037848153/

http://pinterest.com/pin/379977431/

A lot of people choose natural colours like beiges or browns when opting for a 'neutral' and safe colour scheme for their homes. Grey is often seen as too cold or depressing and not on every person's radar when standing in the paint pot alley of the DIY store.

I've collected some examples today of rooms where grey actually looks rather sophisticated and stylish, when used in combination with the right colour accents and accessories. Much better than beige (or worse even, magnolia...)! And hey, you can start off simple - try one bit of wall for starters. Perhaps around the fire place or in the hallway to make a mirror, painting or piece of furniture stand out.








Grey teams very well with yellow, teal and mustard. Imagine if these splashes of colour weren't added to the decor pictured below... They really lift the room. Loving those knitted floor cushions.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037586270/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037591235/

Grey is also excellent with more 'girly' colours like red and pink - if yellow is not your cup of tea. That grey becomes the perfect background for your favourite pink accessories - just add cushions, throws, curtains or just a bouquet of roses to the room.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037591534/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037593603/

Loving this chesterfield sofa... http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037591995/

http://pinterest.com/pin/301590063/

And if you really can't detach yourself from your beiges and browns, why not combine grey with a bit of 'neutral' after all - and add accessories in natural materials like wood, wicker and jute? Add some natural wooden furniture, pieces of driftwood as accessories and of course don't forget that lovely natural wooden floor as a basis.

Oh my - now THAT looks like a cosy seat! http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037593612/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037574949/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037584118/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037593594/

http://pinterest.com/pin/381739864/

http://pinterest.com/pin/213308348/

Continuing my posts about colour today! Monday it was plum, today it is blue. I have always liked blue, the deep moody blue that can look fresh combined with white or mysterious with darker shades. The combination with bright red works surprisingly well too. I especially like the indigo blues used in fabrics such as kimono fabric or ikat from Japan and other far East countries. The beauty is, used in textiles like cushions or throws you can never have enough of them in my opinion, especially scattered together on a sofa or bed. Combining lots of different patterns and textures but all in the same colour can make a room look very 'together' and stylish.

http://pinterest.com/pin/220336599/

Ever since buying my new sewing machine a few weeks ago I have turned into a cushion factory, so my house might end up looking like this one day!

http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/2011/08/harlequins-kallianthi-collection.htm

I always keep an eye out for unique decor items while browsing markets and carboot sales and I have been collecting quite a few blue lovelies over time. This cute little vase I discovered recently:

http://ninasapartment.bigcartel.com/category/blue

http://pinterest.com/pin/201885751/

http://tinyurl.com/636gweq

http://pinterest.com/pin/215687216/

http://pinterest.com/pin/192691997/

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http://pinterest.com/pin/189684642/