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Styling your kitchen worktops

Hi there!

Hope you are all enjoying the frosty cold weather?…it puts me into full on faffing mode and the latest place in Rose Cottage to get hit is the kitchen worktops! When I share my kitchen over on Instagram I always get lots of compliments on the styling of it so thought I would share a few tips over here on how I put it all together. The tips are nothing too complicated but they sure are effective…

1. Separate your kitchen into sections

Think about your worktops in smaller more manageable areas, rather than as a whole. Concentrate on one area at a time, make sure your really happy with how you’ve dressed it before moving onto the next.

Think about whether the area will be for practical use or simply decorative; or it could be a mix of both! It’s useful to have certain appliances close to particular cupboards eg mugs near the kettle (especially handy on busy mornings!!). Keep this in mind when choosing what appliances you will need in each worktop section. Also most appliances will need plug sockets so give this consideration too!

2. Start with a blank canvas

I always clear the space I am working on before deciding where anything will go. It helps see the full size of the space and will make it easier to experiment with different accessories.

3. Give the area a good clean

Use the opportunity to give the area a good scrub; clean the worktop itself, the wall/ tiles behind and any appliances or accessories you will be using.

4. Think about things you might want to hide

I am not a fan of seeing plug sockets in my kitchen so often use chopping boards, platter plates and framed prints to hide them where i can. I also hide the plugs and leads of appliances using the same techniques.

5. Add height, colour and texture

Setting appliances and accessories on top of chopping boards can help create a feature and add height.

Adding hooks from the cupboards above is a great way to incorporate accessories without taking up counter space.

6. Accessorise, accessorise and accessorise!

The majority of the accessories in my kitchen are Emma Bridgewater, I am a massive fan and enjoy the country kitchen feel they give. Think about mixing colours, textures and sizes when using accessories, adding plants and flowers too.

Have you any great tips on how you style your own kitchen? I’ll love to hear them!

Hope you enjoyed reading, as much as I enjoyed writing!

blog

Master Bedroom

Hello again!

I have finished another room! – Yipeee!

When tackling the master bedroom, I had a few things in mind.  I wanted it to be a tranquil space where hubby and I could go to switch off from the hustle and bustle of the day.  I didn’t want the walls to be cluttered with fussy wallpaper and floral canvases but everything to have a plain and clean look.  As new parents I felt it was important our bedroom was a place of sanctuary away from the brightly coloured toys which play nursery tunes on repeat all day everyday!   I wanted this to be the room in the house where I could completely relax and enjoy some well deserved ‘me’ time.

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The paint colour in our bedroom is the same colour as the rest of the house.  When thinking about moving into Rose Cottage I didn’t want the hassle or to spend the time deliberating over paint colour for each room individually so I just painted the whole house in magnolia!  I done the same with the carpet and carpeted the whole house the same.  I know to some of you this sounds incredibly uncreative and boring, but to me it creates a flow throughout the house which I love.  I find these neutral colours to be warm and inviting as well as being able to easily match accessories to.

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Bed – http://creations-interiors.com/?page_id=77&cat_id=34&product_id=845

Bedding –http://www.bedeckhome.com/sanderson-fabienne-bedding-silver.html#

Bedside Table – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/tables/coffee-side-tables/maryd-tray-table-grey-art-90292725/

Lamp – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/table-lamps/årstid-table-lamp-nickel-plated-white-art-00280637/

Stars – http://www.thewhitelighthousefurniture.co.uk/accessories/stars-set-grey.htm

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Light Up Heart – B&M

Prints – http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/themotivatedtype/product/nap-queen-typography-print

Frames – TKMaxx

These 2 pieces of furniture were both up cycling projects – they were both dark wood and I painted with Annie Sloan Old White.

Cushions – H&M Sale

Hello Beautiful Banner – https://www.frenchgreylifestyle.co.uk/collections/all

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Curtains – http://www.bedeckhome.com/sanderson-fabienne-bedding-silver.html

Heart – http://www.dunelm.com/product/chalk-rustic-hanging-heart-1000043859?searchTerm=hanging%20heart

Chandelier – http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4324005

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These photos are from our wedding – I got them printed in black and white from Photobox and put them into Ikea frames.  Simple but effective I think!

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Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

FASHION & BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE

What I’m Loving Lately

Hello there!

As I get asked a lot of questions on Instagram about where I purchase things and what I would recommend, I thought I would put together a blog post on a few things I have picked up recently which I really love! I’m thinking this could maybe become a monthly feature if there is any interest? Sure let me know what you think!  This will be a random collection of items, so hopefully everyone will find something they like too.

Interiors

Firstly, these little metal star tea light holders.  As soon as Homely Rose put them up on their Instagram as incoming stock, I tortured Helen to put them onto the website so I could purchase a set!  When I saw them I knew they would look great hanging from my ladder, especially with candles inside at night time. You can find Homely Rose on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/homely_rose/?hl=en Give them a follow as they have some really gorgeous home interiors!

Next up is this Toast rack from One Vision cnc.  If you follow me on Instagram you will know how much I love Emma Bridgewater.  This company engrave wooden items which compliment the pottery just perfectly.  I purchased one of their chopping boards over a year ago with Rose Cottage engraved on the side and it’s as good as the day I bought it!  So pleased now to have this little toast rack to match.  You can purchase it here: http://www.onevisioncnc.co.uk/oak-toast-rack—engraved–4-slice-39-p.asp

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You can read here: Making my home beautiful with Zoflora! how much of a huge fan I am of using Zoflora when cleaning.  This next little purchase is the perfect tool to use alongside it.  I picked it up from Amazon after seeing it recommended on another blog.  I have been really impressed by this electric device, which makes cleaning small, more difficult areas a lot quicker and easier.  Get yours here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asonic+scrubber&keywords=sonic+scrubber&ie=UTF8&qid=1492355786&spIA=B01MT80ROH,B018NZ85D2,B06XS16LDN,B01MQ6GXCT

Baby

The lovely Julie has took the plunge and set up an amazing business selling beautiful children’s items.  Her stock is so different from what you would find on the high street, which is why I really love it!  Here are some items from her website, so please check it out and follow her on Instagram for stock updates.  Her website is: https://daisybelledreams.com

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Beauty and Fashion

So I picked up this fake tan after it being recommended by a local blogger I follow.  I normally stick to what I know with fake tan but this was on offer in Boots so I thought I would give it a go.  I have to say I am really impressed with this tan – the colour is so natural, smell isn’t too bad and develops almost immediately.  Definitely will be using this one if I don’t have time to tan the night before an event.

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And lastly, these shoes!! I ordered these from H&M after seeing a few people/ celebs wearing similar ones.  I wasn’t too sure if I would suit them or if I could style them well, but I am totally in love! I am a huge fan of the metallic shoes which are in fashion at the moment, as they can be easily dressed up or worn casually.  They are also really comfy to wear, which is a big bonus!  Find them here: http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0474111004.html#Silver

Let me know what your loving lately!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

 

LIFESTYLE

Hoppy Easter!

Hello there!

‘No matter how long the Winter, the Spring is sure to follow.’

Like most of you, I am always happy to welcome Spring.  Longer days, warmth of the sun and all the bright colours out and about.  I’ve been spending this weekend putting some Easter decorations around Rose Cottage so thought I would share some ideas with you!

Firstly, an Easter tree.  I used this porter vase from Emma Bridgewater and put in 6 strands of artificial pussy willow from Dunelm.  You can find it on this link: http://www.dunelm.com/product/artificial-pussy-willow-stem-1000001995?itsearchTerm=flowers%20artificial

I bought these beautiful eggs from Katrina at DippyDuckHQ on Instagram – she is really talented and decorates these eggs by hand.  I love Instagram for connecting with small businesses and finding quirky little items you can’t get on the high street.  Here’s the link to her page: https://www.instagram.com/katrina.lyall_dippyduck/

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A cheap and cheerful way to make your home look bright and cheery for spring is daffodils.  I picked these this morning from our garden and have them scattered around the cottage in little vases.

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I don’t like to spend a lot of money on Easter decorations as they are only out on display for a short time.  I brought together some of my favourite pottery pieces and stacked them up, largest at the bottom to smallest at the top.  I think it looks really effective yet so simple.

And lastly, how cute are these little rabbit spoons which I picked up from here: https://www.tuttidecor.co.uk/product/rabbit-spoon/  Adding a little Easter touch to some afternoon tea!

The hubby and I normally go to his family’s caravan over the Easter holidays so we are excited now to bring Harry along this year too.  Hope you all have a lovely Easter celebrating with friends and family!

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill

INTERIORS

Harry’s Little Room

Hello again!

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Harry has the first room in the whole house to be totally finished!  We have now been living in Rose Cottage a year and there are still so many finishing touches needed for each room.  I have had to start taking lists out with me shopping to remind me of what I need to get to complete the other rooms! (I’m blaming this on baby brain!!)

Lots of lovely people on Instagram have commented on Harry’s room so I’ve decided to take you on a little tour!  Some of you may notice I have moved it around a bit – and I think its a much better layout and makes the room feel bigger.

I’ll try my best to provide links of where the items are from, but if I have missed something please feel free to ask!

Chair – http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/sofas-armchairs/armchairs/poäng-rocking-chair-white-smidig-black-spr-59163269/

Star Storage Bag – https://www.instagram.com/hello___henry/

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Cotton Ball Lights – http://www.prettyprintsuk.co.uk/product/cotton-ball-lighting

Shelves and Clock – B&M

Print – https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FreddieTheKid

Letter H – Matalan

Rabbit – M&S

Small ‘Love Harry’ frame – http://mymummymakes.bigcartel.com

H Candle – Asda

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Personalised Bunting – https://www.instagram.com/dimpledthimble/

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Star Light, H Tag and Star Flag – Next

Small ‘H is for Harry’ frame – http://mymummymakes.bigcartel.com

3 Stars – https://www.instagram.com/homely_rose/

Print – https://www.instagram.com/booandco.designs/

Small Star Storage bag – H&M

Cloud Storage – TKMax

Star Mat – https://www.instagram.com/perfectlylovelyjen/

3 Superhero Pegs – https://www.instagram.com/blossomandwood/

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This cot has been passed down through the generations!

Bunting and bedding – B&M

Moon cushion – H&M

Star Lights – Ikea (Christmas range)

Cloud laundry basket – B&M

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Voil curtains – Ikea

Roller Blind – The Range (I added the pompoms)

Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing!

Jill