Random mirror

I can't resist a bit of contemporary mixed with period detailing, so have a look at this wonderful mirror from Julian Chichester. Called the Random Mirror it mixes square and rectangular antique effect panels with eglomise for some period drama.  It comes in two sizes 700x1000cm or 800x1600cm.  Starting at £1,397 it's not on the cheap side though...

Magnetic wallpaper

Oh I love a bit of wallpaper and this magnetic range available at Sisters Guild is great looking and multifunctional too. Another fabulous find from www.madaboutthehouse.com. This would be a wonderful option for a child's bedroom and you can choose from owl, giraffe, rabbit, zebra, cockatiel and bear (wise old owl is my favourite).  These clever people also do a magnetic chalkboard version. Starts from £41.50 per roll.

Stylish workstations for kids

Some great and affordable ideas here from www.remodelista.com for kids work stations. As a space saving and tidiness freak, these appeal on many levels...  Check out the link for more ideas, but these ones are my favourites.

The plywood wall-mounted Workstation from Finnish architect Takkunen's collection, Luona In

Wall-mounted desk spotted on House to Home

Plywood wall-mounted desk by Dutch architects Atelier van Wengerden

Mad about the blog

I know there are hundreds of interiors blogs out there, but this one is my absolute fave - it's Mad about the house and is written by Kate Watson-Smyth a journalist specialising in interiors and design.  There are daily finds ranging to the latest fab interiors shops to gorgeous lighting ideas to unusual floor tiling - oh and shades of grey paint - but above all loads of practical advice and input into styling your home.  I drop in each week to take a look.

As well as the '365 Objects of design' feature you'll also find a weekly delve into hot properties on the market (who doesn't like nosey-ing around beautiful homes)

... and there's also a 'Your home' section where you can ask your burning interiors questions and she will gallantly try and point you in the right direction.  So if your new year's resolutions include keeping up to date on current interiors trends, this is one to bookmark.

Children's wallpaper they will love

Another one to add to the list of great Scandi sites is Isak Design.  

Not only do they have a whole array of fabulous 'design for the modern home' they do some beautiful wallpapers, ideal for children's rooms. Take the following for example...

You can order the feature wall styles like this Oak Tree above to fit the space you are designing for.

Penquin rose

Nova mist

Nova dawn

Heals' timeless, classic bedroom furniture

Founded in 2010, Another Country is a British based company that makes contemporary craft furniture and accessories.  Sold exclusively at Heals as their 'Craft Series' this classic bedroom furniture combines simplicity with serenity - providing a modern take on the functional forms, clean lines and enduring craftmanship of Shaker furniture.  Beautiful.

You can see the whole collection at Heals.

Stencil your floors for a whole new look

I loved this post from the Remodelista blog - with some fantastic ideas for floor stencilling. Genius.  A whole new look at a fraction of the cost of new flooring - and when you are bored with it, hey presto, you can sand it and do it again.  Take a look at the full article, but here are some of the looks they found...

Statement lighting from David Hunt

If you are looking for some unusual lighting options then check out David Hunt.  Cotswolds based, this company have a range of innovative, unusual and eclectic lighting products that cross the design spectrum from classical to contemporary.  These are my faves...

Ammonite table lamp

Bird table lamp

Kudo table lamp

Jinx table lamp

More stylish storage, in a rustic vibe

These gorgeous hand woven baskets from Danish brand Tine K are perfect for all those bits and bobs that are forever getting in the way.  Magazines, books, toys, letters, linens, laundry... you name it, tucked away in these stylish containers, you need never trip over anything again.  At £52 for a set of three they are great value and come in a number of different options - crafted from palm leaves they feature a leather strip at the top, or funky sequin stripes.

Top tips for nurseries...

Following on from my recent run on nurseries, here are some top tips I have learnt along the way...

Don't forget bins.  Easy to overlook but you'll need a wet bin, a dry bin and a nappy bin. Ideally with lids too - stops prying hands and also helps to conceal all variety of horrors! 

Whilst it's tempting, don't just choose a chair for aesthetic reasons - if breastfeeding you'll be spending a lot of time in it, so factor this into your equation when making your choice. 

Keep fabulously tactile fabrics to a minimum.   Babies spew over everything (from both ends) so make less work for yourself by going for the practical option (on this occasion).

Window dressings - don't worry if you haven't got that blackout blind sorted.  You never know how your baby will sleep until they've arrived and sometimes a bit of light can help create a more adaptable baby.  No need to rush to blackout unless absolutely necessary.

Ensure your changing mat/table is at standing height.  Trust me, your back will thank you. 

Wall decals - the simple way to update a room

There is no easier way to give a room whole new look than by indulging in a wall decal or two.  Cost effective, easy to apply, no mess and simple to update when you fancy a change, I'm a great fan.   And this is one of the best sites around for a comprehensive range - Ambiance Live.  Particularly good for kids rooms I think.

For a truly opulent feel...

You could opt for the beautiful and unique hand-painted wallpaper from DeGournay.  Having worked on lavish projects for the likes of Chanel, Matthew Williamson and Smythson, they have five vast wallpaper collections - Chinoiserie, Japanese & Korean, Papiers peints panoramiques, Eclectic and Plains.  Best to go down to their Fulham showroom for full effect.

From the Chinoiserie collection

From the Japanese & Korean collection

I just love this baby website

Called Nubie - the Modern kids' boutique it is a fantastic site full of great ideas for decorating your little one's nursery or bedroom.  I'm in the middle of doing a toddler nursery at the moment, and these bits are definitely going in!

Kangaroo toy storage box

White dandelions and cowparsley wall sticker

P'Kolino Little Reader Chair

Simple bedroom makeover?

With these beautiful carved wooden and linen headboards, updating your bedroom needn't cost the earth.  These french style hand carven wooden headboards from Cox & Cox are made to fit a standard kingsize mattress (W 150cm) and are upholstered with deep-buttoned 100% linen, in a beautiful eau de nil.  Add some of their gorgeous quilts and sumptuous throws and you will have a bed, and whole new look, fit for a king.

Dr Who nights

If you are looking for ideas for a child's bedroom, then take a look at these fabulous wall stickers from Oakdene Designs - perfect for those little Dr Who fanatics.  They even glow in the dark.

Bedroom insights

This article on www.houzz.com made me smile.  What does your bedroom say about you?!

http://bit.ly/Z3P1CP

Here are some highlights...

"I celebrated my divorce by completely redoing the bedroom.  I couldn't be happier."

"We used to fight about pillows.  Now we don't."

"We are a gay, double income, no kids couple in the city.  Once of us is a lawyer: the other is a designer.  We have no pets, but we do have a killer wine collection."

"I am a very successful single woman in the city.  I like fashion, traveling to Europe and spa days. I have a weekly mani-pedi appointment."

"We're never home to enjoy our amazing bedroom."