Peggy Bell, the brains behind Interior Alchemy, is well-known on the internet for her beautifully decorated Northern Ireland home, and it's easy to see why. Read on for our interview with her and find out more about her inspirations when it comes to interiors...
How did you fall in love with interior design?
I have ALWAYS been in love with interior design! I used to change my bedroom regularly when I was a child - my mum would shout upstairs "Are you moving the furniture?" and I'd be puffing "No!", whilst shuffling a wardrobe to a different location... It's a compulsion. I walk into rooms and immediately analyse what is working and what needs to be tweaked.
What's your favourite colour to bring into the home?
Purple! I'm a little obsessed. I love how regal it looks with gold accents, how mysterious it looks on a black background or bohemian on a white background. I also love how beautiful and vibrant every hue is, between blue-purple and pink-purple. I also love offsetting it with yellow, especially mustard yellow, or having it sing with teal. And don't get me started on purple with a bright pink pop! It's like Marmite, you either really love it or really don't. My sister once observed that purple people don't just like purple; they get obsessed. I think she's right. I have purple everywhere in my home, purple clothes, purple accessories and from time to time have purple hair! I am one of the crazy purple people.
Maximalism or minimalism?
Maximalism, every single time. Apologies in advance to any minimalists out there, but minimalism is so joyless to me! My last home was minimal; I was going for a tasteful and restrained look. Looking back, I see a home where my song was unsung. It could have belonged to anyone, it looked impersonal and a little insipid. Maximalism is permissive and celebratory; it allows you to curate all the pieces you love and embrace all the various aspects of you, to thoroughly personalise your space with your own very unique signature. It's a celebration of self, an act of self-love!
What’s the one piece in your home that always makes you smile?
My home bar! This was a rather basic, uninspiring area with cream units and shelving. I painted it black and installed some mirrored back panels and glass shelving. I was worried that more black might darken the space, but the mirror bounced light back into the room, so if anything, it became brighter. And having a bar area is well cooler than a tea station!
Any interiors disasters you’d care to tell us about?
Having painted various rooms all over dark, I decided to do so in the hall, too. I figured that I could plant little hall tables here and there with mood lighting and it would be cosy and ambient - like my sitting rooms but with different dimensions. How wrong I was! The only natural light in the hall comes from a glass pane in the door, and a window on the third floor. It made an already dull area much, much darker - so dark, in fact, that lamps had very little effect. It was a challenge even finding tables narrow enough to fit the spaces. At one point I considered installing sconced lighting on the landings but this meant kangol hammering walls that are over 100 years old to track cable and was going to be costly. A friend commented that it reminded her of 12 Grimmauld Place from Harry Potter(!) - which, funnier still, was the look I was going for! Ultimately, staying faithful to my artistic vision meant condemning my family to feeling their way blindly around the house and a lifetime of bruised thighs from walking into tables. I totally thought it was worth it, but they disagreed, the Philistines! I relented and painted above the dado white.
What’s your golden rule for interior decorating, the failsafe tip you give everybody?
Only buy things you absolutely love. Even if there's nowhere for it, even if it doesn't go with anything else! Believe me, you will find or make space for things that make your heart sing, and every day it will make you smile. Oh - and add plants. It's amazing the a difference a little injection of life makes to a space.
What’s your interiors trends predictions for 2018?
I am probably the worst person to ask, because trends are seldom on my radar: I'm gut-led, but if I had to wager, I would say maximalism is going to be bigger than ever! I'm seeing Instagram decor accounts embracing colour pops and pattern clashing, and artists that are producing bold, vibrant work seem to be coming more to the fore. I hope I'm right, because there's nothing more inspirational than risk-taking and following your joy, and if you can be brave in your home, you will start being braver in other areas of your life!
Huge thanks to Peggy for taking part in this week's 'Five Minutes With...' interview - a woman after our own heart indeed, we love a fellow maximalist!
If you'd like to see more of Peggy's stunning home and adventures in interiors, make sure you're following her on Instagram @interior_alchemy.
]]>Currently in the midst of renovating her own Victorian semi, Fiona shares her adventures in interiors with her devoted readers, as well as handy tips and tricks to ensure that your own home is looking suitably Instagrammable. Without further ado, here's what Fiona told us recently...
How did you fall in love with interior design?
I blame Sindy. Remember her? Barbie’s wholesome cousin. She had a very cool three-storey home which I was obsessed with designing and arranging. Faffing before I could tie my shoe laces!
What’s your favourite colour to bring into the home?
Pink has probably been the most consistent theme in all my homes (including Sindy’s!), sometimes as fuchsia or flamingo pink accents, and currently softer rose and blush tones. I’ve only ever committed to pink on the walls once though - and that turned out peach!
Maximalism or minimalism?
In my own home, I prefer an uncluttered look, but as my design confidence has grown, I’ve added in more colours and patterns. There’s little I admire more though than designers who can pull off multiple patterns and textures and still create a cohesive scheme.
What’s the one piece in your home that always makes you smile?
My DIY statement fringed chandelier, which hangs in the hall. Like most of my DIYs, it was a hair-brained experiment which remarkably came together beautifully in the end - some comedy wrestling with a plastic curtain rail was involved though.
Any interiors disasters you’d care to tell us about?
An early experiment in paint effects inspired by Changing Rooms involving a sponge and peach paint. I haven’t attempted a paint effect since!
What’s your golden rule for interior decorating, the failsafe tip you give everybody?
Take your time - you don’t need to do it all at once. If you build your scheme up one decision at a time, it’s a lot less overwhelming and you’re less likely to make a mistake.
What are your interiors trends predictions for 2018?
We’ll see browns emerge as the new neutral as our love affair with grey finally starts to wane. From the softest pastels to the most vibrant jewel shades, there’s not much that doesn’t look amazing against a sludgy clay. A brown wall is your new decor BFF.
Huge thanks to Fiona for chatting to us, and if you'd like to see more from Fiona, make sure you're following her blog or over on Instagram!
]]>As one half of East London design duo Quirk & Rescue, Ms Pink knows exactly what it takes to transform a space from dull and drab to truly fabulous - read on to find out more from this interiors expert.
]]>As one half of East London design duo Quirk & Rescue, Ms Pink knows exactly what it takes to transform a space from dull and drab to truly fabulous - read on to find out more from this interiors expert.
1. How did you fall in love with interior design?
My mum's an artist, so we had lots of weird and wonderful things around our house. Our hallway was wallpapered in a traditional Liberty print (Ianthe) and it was quite wild compared to my friends' homes.. I was actually a bit embarrassed when I was young but I soon came to realise it was awesome living in an unusual home.
2. What’s your favourite colour to bring into the home?
I didn’t have to think twice to answer this - it's neon pink, neon orange and neon yellow! (Sorry, that's three!)
3. Maximalism or minimalism?
Maximalism, as I love to have loads of things to look at.
4. What’s the one piece in your home that always makes you smile?
Our hallway wall of trays - make sure you take a look at our Instagram!
5. Any interiors disasters you’d care to tell us about?
I honestly can't think of any... (A lady confident in her own tastes - that's what we LOVE to see!)
6. What’s your golden rule for interior decorating, the failsafe tip you give everybody?
It’s your home, your space, so choose what you love, even if no one else loves it! This applies from paint colours to ornaments and everything in between.
7. What's your interiors trends predictions for 2018?
I never pay any attention to trends in any way shape or form!
Huge thanks to Ms Pink for sharing with us her fun and free-spirited way of looking at interiors - it's inspirational!
For more from Ms Pink and Quirk & Rescue, make sure you check out the Instagram and the website too.
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Priding herself on being a champion of colour, creativity and culture, Emma Jane knows that a colourful home is a very happy home indeed!
]]>Priding herself on being a champion of colour, creativity and culture, Emma Jane knows that a colourful home is a very happy home indeed!
I think I've always naturally been drawn to styling in my home; I can't really pinpoint a direct moment that inspired me. Even as a student I enjoyed making the most out of a space. I studied Graphic Design and Illustration which obviously helped to bring around a more visual look on life. When I left university, I started working for a boutique interior PR agency and this directly introduced me to the world of interiors, learning more about specific brands and designers.
I like to experiment with colour so this is constantly changing for me. At the moment, it's burnt orange as I love the warmth it can bring to a place when used in the right way. I've just used orange and rust accents in my room.
Maximalism, but in an organised way. I think it's important to have spaces that are meant to be busy and spaces that are simplified. For example, a bedroom is a place to relax and there should be minimal distractions in the room. As far as I'm concerned, more is more everywhere else - the busier the better!
Funnily enough, it's probably my bathtub. We're still in rented accommodation and we found it VERY hard to find a place we liked, especially with a small dog in tow. After weeks of searching I said to my step-mum - "One day we'll have a place with a roll-top bath" - and just 24 hours later I was looking at our place with its beautiful roll-top bath. I take great pleasure in having a bath and relaxing.
Not disasters as such, but I've certainly had to get creative in some previous rental properties. Magnolia walls and brown carpets aren't anyone's friend and it can be tough to live in an environment like that. The key here is to layer lots of rugs and to break the rules by giving it a fresh lick of white paint. Landlords are normally open to changes if you speak to them about and tell them how you can help to improve their property.
On a practical level, frog tape is your absolute best friend for paint work. On an emotional level, I always think you need to decorate your house in the same way that you would decorate yourself. Don't buy too much into trends that you think you might get bored of and fill your home with items that make you happy.
I think the seventies look is still going from strength to strength and we're going to be seeing even more oranges and browns coming through in interior schemes. Fringing has been massive and the high-street versions are now coming out thick and fast. Earthy tones are still everywhere with muted pinks and purples seen everywhere at Salone del Mobile earlier this year.
Thanks so much for being a part of our interview series Emma Jane! If you'd like to read more from Emma Jane, check out her blog and follow her on Instagram @emmajanepalin.
]]>"Unashamed maximalist" Kimberly definitely feels the Barbeline vibes, stating that she loves cheeky animal prints, touchable textural fabrics, bold pattern mixing, a touch of vintage and bohemian-style comfort - our kind of woman!
]]>"Unashamed maximalist" Kimberly definitely feels the Barbeline vibes, stating that she loves cheeky animal prints, touchable textural fabrics, bold pattern mixing, a touch of vintage and bohemian-style comfort - our kind of woman!
1. How did you fall in love with interior design?
I realised, looking back, that I’ve loved interiors since I was a small child. I remember my mom had an interior design book from Better House and Gardens (a popular US homes magazine which is still going) and it was one of my favourite books. I’d look at all the pictures and thumb through the pages over and over. It was the 70s, so I have vague recollections of a lot of brown, orange and green rooms! I also used to help her with decorating as I got older – from moving around furniture to painting and wallpapering. When I was 14, I got some money for a birthday or something and instead of spending it on clothes or going out, I redecorated my bedroom. I think it’s just something that’s always been in me!
2. What’s your favourite colour to bring into the home?
Gold is probably more of a finish than a colour but I’ve loved gold and brass now for around 7 or 8 years, before it became the big trend it is now. It just adds so much warmth and glamour to a room and I adore it, so I use it quite a lot. If I was pressed for a colour, at the moment, it’s a warm peachy coral. I’m loving it when combined with blush, rose and burgundy.
3. Maximalism or minimalism?
Definitely maximalism. I admire when people do minimalism well but I like my ‘artfully arranged clutter’! Rooms that are absolutely bursting with personality are my favourite. (Ours too!)
4. What’s the one piece in your home that always makes you smile?
I was lucky enough to be gifted a beautiful vintage brass and glass shelving unit from Pierre Vandel by a friend and it’s probably one of my most prized possessions. It’s a stunning piece and I can’t see myself ever parting with it.
5. Any interiors disasters you’d care to tell us about?
I don’t think I’ve had too many disasters per se, but I do look back on my decorating style even from around 5 years ago and there is a lot of cringing going on! I love colour and pattern and always have, but I have a much better eye for it now. I’ve learned over the years that sometimes restraint is actually a good thing!
6. What’s your golden rule for interior decorating, the failsafe tip you give everybody?
One thing I always say is to make sure not everything in your room is from the same era – whether that’s 2018 or 1958, because nothing will date a room faster. Mixing and matching vintage with contemporary will always create a timeless look and the added advantage is that it simply looks more interesting and creative. That and to have fun with it. I think people can get very stressed out about decorating their homes and there’s no real need for that. It should be an evolution and it should be enjoyable. Pretty much anything can be ‘undone’ – you can return items that don’t work, repaint a room, remove wallpaper. It can be disappointing when things don’t work quite as you planned but it’s all a learning experience.
7. What’s your interiors trends predictions for 2018?
A few of my favourites… In kitchens and bathrooms, mixed materials are really on trend right now and people are getting creative with finishes and colours. Speaking of colour, I’m seeing lots of warmer shades coming in. I mentioned coral and peach as well as deep rust colours and we’re seeing these combined with warm berry shades alongside last year’s darling, blush pink. I’m also rather loving all the curves in furniture – we seem to be moving away from the harder lines of mid-century modern and I’m seeing a lot of quite glam 70s and 80s inspired designs.
Thank you to the lovely Kimberly for being a part of our 'Five Minutes With...' series - you can find more swoonworthy interiors by following Kimberly on Instagram @swoonworthyblog.
]]>An interior designer with a classic yet contemporary aesthetic, Sarah loves the finer things in life and has a penchant for period properties, sprawling country estates and gorgeous hotels.
]]>An interior designer with a classic yet contemporary aesthetic, Sarah loves the finer things in life and has a penchant for period properties, sprawling country estates and gorgeous hotels.
1. How did you fall in love with interior design?
Without coming across as seriously cringey, I do feel that interior design has always been a part of me and my life. Even as a seven-year-old, I would spend hours planning and rearranging my bedroom (much to my parents’ dismay). Art – in its many forms – has always been my primary passion.
2. What’s your favourite colour to bring into the home?
I am an unashamed fan of neutrals as I love their versatility and the way they work effectively with so many colours. The possibilities are vast. For a colour pop, I love the positivity of yellow (which works so effectively with all the greys) and I’m also a big fan of blues and greens. Anything that nods to nature has to be a winner for me.
3. Maximalism or minimalism?
Minimalism. For me, less is more (more or less)! Whilst I do appreciate the energy and fun of maximalism, I generally tend to pare things back. I like to style with thinking space to allow individual pieces to shine. That being said, I am a fan of print but always combine with some plains to offset the punch.
4. What’s the one piece in your home that always makes you smile?
I painted a textural triptych some years ago to hang above my 4-seater striped sofa in the lounge. I had looked for original, abstract art everywhere and nothing had been totally right, so I decided to take matters in my own hands. Whilst I do like the outcome itself, what really makes me smile is that I painted in when my now 5-year-old was a tiny baby. I remember – most vividly - throwing around plaster, acrylic paint and gold leaf in-between evening bottle feeds and tiny cuddles. For me, my artwork represents genuine mum-multi-tasking!
5. Any interiors disasters you’d care to tell us about?
I had a very ‘90s pink and turquoise floral bedroom. I was a young teen but had chosen everything myself and was immensely proud of my ‘accomplishment’. Everything was pink and turquoise – and very, very flouncy. Saying that, this look is gaining serious traction again so I should tread carefully….
6. What’s your golden rule for interior decorating, the failsafe tip you give everybody?
Plan in advance. ‘Winging it’ is all very well but there’s nothing like a creative moodboard to really set out intentions clearly. Once the look and feel has been established – which includes fabric swatches and paint sample cards – then the rest will follow.
7. What’s your interiors trends predictions for 2018?
Warm neutrals have made a welcomed come-back and look set to stay. Choose ‘greige’ over colder greys and embrace rusty hues from blush to saturated oranges and terracotta. I am also championing the return of truffle and brown shades. Watch this space…
A big thank you to the lovely Sarah for taking part this week - if you'd like to read more Girl About House or follow Sarah's interiors adventures, check her out on Instagram @girlabouthouse.
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Huge thanks to Pati for taking part in our first 'Five Minutes With...' interview! If you would like to find out more about Pati's tips and tricks for a beautiful home, follow her on Instagram @patirobins.
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