You remember the house from MTV’s The Osbournes, right? Dark, gothic, and pretty oppressive. I once did one of those ‘Star Tours’ and it was so recognisable as we drove past… I almost expected Ozzy to stagger out in his dressing gown, yelling, “Shaaarooon!”. When I saw a tour of their new house in a recent Architectural Digest, I couldn’t believe it belonged to them, until the appearance of one of their infamous dogs in one picture.
Designed by LA-based Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, with input from Sharon, this Hidden Hills residence has a real country-house feel to it, with French antiques and Oriental touches. The palette is incredibly relaxing, and the vibe reminds me a little of J-Lo’s home (as seen here). Can you believe the former ‘Prince of Darkness’ sleeps in a mirrored four-poster bed with lilac satin sheets?! He may have wanted to keep that one quiet. I have Osbournes-house-envy… didn’t see that one coming! What do you think of their abode? Does this look appeal to you?

{images via Architectural Digest}

I know that the ikat trend has been covered extensively on interior blogs in the past (which is no bad thing), but it’s having a mini revival this season… and since I haven’t mentioned it before, I hope I’m forgiven for posting about it. This method of dying fabrics, used in numerous countries around the world, has become a favourite amongst both fashion and interior designers, and it’s easy to see why. I really like it’s “bohemian” appeal, and can be really striking either in an otherwise plain room or alongside other prints. If you haven’t seen or heard of it before, it’s one of those things that you’ll now suddenly notice everywhere! Are you a fan of ikat designs, or do you think they’ve had their day?

{images via we heart it & House Beautiful}

{1. Anthropologie cooled ikat cushion / 2. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson side plates / 3. Anthropologie mini ikat bowls / 4. Calvin Klein ikat rug / 5. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson bed linen / 6. Cushions Online Giza print cushion}

I first discovered Bombay Duck through their gorgeous festive range. But it turns out that this Duck is for life, not just for Christmas, as their extensive online range proves.

Their website features the most ornate door knobs imaginable (I really want a white kitchen now with a different handle on each door), exquisite yet affordable chandeliers, and place settings that would dictate that you hold a dinner party every week. And an umbrella with pom-poms on. Sold.

{all products available at Bombay Duck}

Happy Friday to you all! The lovely weekend starts here, and about time too… I’ve been working my little socks off this week before I’m off on my travels next Tuesday. So much so, my usual round-up this week consists of one notion: a holiday. Even though I’ll be abroad, my trip will be a blur of airports, hotel event space, delegates and ‘to do’ lists. But, had it been an actual holiday on the agenda, then it would consist of breathtaking views, an infinity pool, a good book (trashy chick lit – I have no time for solving crimes whilst sunbathing) and zero technology. And absolutely no schedule. Apart from cocktail hour, which should always be observed.

{images via Pinterest}
And since we’re amongst friends, and I’d like to keep this fantasy alive for just a few more minutes, here is my dream capsule wardrobe, courtesy of Net-A-Porter. And if I’m going to be travelling in style, then I couldn’t possibly show up pulling a beaten-up old suitcase that has lived in my closet since 1992, so it would have to be Jimmy Choo luggage all the way:

{1. Eugenia Kim straw fedora / 2. Victoria Beckham aviator sunglasses / 3. Tibi maxi dress / 4. Juicy Couture crepe dress / 5. Jimmy Choo Terence suitcase / 6. Valentino espadrilles / 7. Missoni Mare bikini / 8. Musa t-bar sandals / 9. Monica Vinader ring / 10. Textile Elizabeth & James denim shorts / 11. Kenneth Jay Lane bangles / 12. Yves Saint Laurent raffia tote / 13. Sandro t-shirt}
Ok, back to reality (although we’re talking Cannes, so not completely) and this week’s best look goes to Penélope Cruz, who looks like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn with her hair styled like that… add a touch of Marchesa and the result is flawless. Pure movie star. And for my room of the week? Well, to stick with the theme of this post, just imagine whiling away a morning in this dreamy breakfast room, devouring fresh coffee and croissants. Sound pretty appealing?

{images via prphotos & House Beautiful}
I hope you have a perfect weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside… I really do. It is happiest place on earth for me, and I can’t wait for the day that I fulfill my dream of living there. I don’t know whether it’s the salty sea air, the cry of seagulls, or just the feeling of serenity I always get at the beach, but thankfully it’s only an hour’s train ride away from London so I can always escape there when city life proves too hectic.

{images via Pinterest}
My love of all things coastal is reflected in the interior of my flat, and I’ve made no secret of my penchant for beach houses (as seen here), so imagine my delight when I was shopping in John Lewis last week and found that their latest home range is like the inside of a Hamptons living room. I actually laughed out loud when I saw the display, because it was so me. What do you think? Are you inspired by the laid-back vibe of coastal interiors?

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