Victorian restoration - look no further

This is a fantastic site if you are looking to restore the original features in your Victorian home - www.thevictorianemporium.com.  It's a treasure trove of everything you could possibly need from radiators, ceiling roses, door accessories to fire places.  All the fixtures and fittings are high quality reproductions to match your home and the site even provide tips and advice on how to avoid expensive mistakes and add value to your property.  A useful find.

Mirrored kitchen splashbacks

Some more great ideas on Houzz.com about mirrored splashbacks for kitchens.

Traditional. Simple mirrored splashback along the worksurface to the bottom of the upper cabinets, adds space to the room.

Antique.  This mirror has been treated to add a darker hue and worn finish.

Subway tile. This is a classic look that has become hugely popular taken beyond basic white to a mirrored tile.  Here the mirror is secondary - as the tile lines is the design detail that draws the eye.

Diagonal. Using an antique finish again, these tiles have been placed on the diagonal for a more original take on the splashback.

Mosiac tile to add a bit of bling.

Partial.  You don't have to go the whole hog.

Smokey.  For a stronger, more dramatic look.

Removable wallpaper - it's DIY-tastic

Chasing Paper offers a range of 'stylish removable wallpaper for the urban home'. Genius. So you want a feature wall? Done. Or to update a tired looking piece of furniture? Easy. Best still, you're renting and can't stand the decor but can't paint the walls. Hey presto. These ingenious covering solutions are peel and stick so you can change them whenever it takes your fancy. Have a look at some of these for inspiration.

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.

Gotta love these - DIY wallpapers

First there was the tear off variety, now there is the Mosaic wall - both innovative and great fun wall coverings from Znak.  If you fancy a bit of creative DIY, with both these options you can personalise the appearance of your walls.  

The 'Tear off' wallpaper is inspired by the transformation process of snakes, and allows you myriad opportunities for your walls - before you even think about what goes underneath. 

And the Mosaic wall decals consist of different coloured self adhesive pieces of wallpaper and a stencil - there are loads of different configurations for you to play with, according to your creative bent! 

Enjoy!

A marvellous John Rocha pouf

I'm a great fan of the humble pouf.  Here's a lovely, practical and affordable one from Debenhams from the John Rocha diffusion range 'Rocha.John.Rocha'.  Simple things. 

Unusual splashbacks...

I like this article on Houzz.com about statement kitchen splashbacks beyond basic tile.  The gist of it is to try experimenting with bold and unconventional materials to give your kitchen an instant refresh without the need for a full remodel.  Here are some of the options... or here's the full article... http://bit.ly/16dYXkW

Use tin (or faux tin tiles) to bring an old fashioned element to a newer kitchen

Copper, particularly with a textured feel, can add warmth

Sheet metal is readily available, but opt for stainless steel to avoid rust

Diamond back metal - a cost effective option to give a kitchen edge

Stone - but make sure you choose carefully as some are porous and difficult to clean

Antique mirror adds a bit of bling - best to use sparingly

Cork - a DIY splashback, made from used bottle corks

Wooden crate tops - which you can easily seal to waterproof

Iconic Interiors

If you know your Eames from your Corbusier then this site I stumbled across it the other day could be for you.  Selling beautifully recreated design classics you can get your hands on high quality furniture of the likes of the Barcelona chair, an Eames lounger and the Bibendum chair.  Take a look for yourselves at www.iconicinteriors.com.

Eames Style DAW Dining Chair

The Egg Chair - inspired by Arne Jacobson

LC04 Chaise Longue - inspired by Le Corbusier

The Barcelona Chair - inspired by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Tulip Tabe - inspired by Eero Saarinen

Musical walls

I love this new addition to the Rockett St George wallpaper selection.  From the company behind the scrapwood and tin tiles wallpaper I've mentioned previously, there is a new collection by the artist Arthur Slenk.  They are based on collages created from old handwritten music - the feel of the aged yellowed paper brings history to the walls and a beautiful rich backdrop.  I particularly love the collage effect.  On the pricey side though at £199 per 9m roll.

Another one for cat (and dog) lovers...

How cute are these? Available in a range of colours in both cat and dog sizes, these are fabulous egg shaped pet houses - from pEi Pod - 'Hip homes for happy pets'.  It's a German website but you can buy them online with free P&P to the UK.  I think they are gorgeous.