wish you lived here…?

Cast your mind back to last week and you’ll remember that I introduced you to the online boutique of uber-talented designer Atlanta Bartlett, called Pale & Interesting. Now it’s the turn of the locations agency that she runs with her husband, Beach Studios. I couldn’t pick a favourite, so as with my previous post featuring shoot locations (as seen here), here are the rooms that made me sigh with happiness; subway tiles, stacks of books in the fireplace, stripped wooden floorboards, gallery walls and old leather armchairs… all of these looks are pure interior eye candy to me. Feast your eyes on these beauties and let me know what you think. Do you prefer white walls or statement wallpaper? A home full of odds and ends or a minimalist approach?

{images via Beach Studios}

fancy friday

Today has been the most amazing day. For those of you who watched The Wedding (did anyone not??), you’ll know what I mean… it was absolutely magical, and at this moment I feel so proud to be British (and still a little speechless, gotta say!). I think that even those who believe that the Royal Family has no place in today’s society, couldn’t have helped but be touched by the proceedings. Tomorrow I’m going to write a full report – including the all-important fashion moments! – but for now here are some images I found from Pinterest and a message for the newlyweds:

{images via Pinterest}
As I clear away the strawberries, scones and Champagne that I shared with my lovely friends whilst watching the wedding, I will leave you with my looks of the week; Lauren Conrad looks unbelievably chic in her own line and nude Loubs (love her hair, she does the up-do so well), and a room that I could quite happily sit in and while away the hours on my laptop. One day I hope to have such a room, but for now my comfy couch will do just fine:

I hope you have a perfect weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

at home with: young house love

Ready for another round of house snooping? Excellent, let’s begin. Today’s residence belongs to John and Sherry Petersik from the massively popular blog, Young House Love. The couple started their site as a low-key, ‘keeping friends up-to-date with renovations’ diary after the purchase of their first home, and it has since become their day job, a shop, a wealth of DIY information that they have acquired over the years, and a launch pad into feature writing and TV appearances. Not too shabby!

All of their hard work, determination and passion is evident throughout not just their inspired blog, but also the photos of their first and current homes. What I really love about the ‘after’ pictures (to also see the ‘befores’ visit here) is that as beautiful and stylish as the rooms are, they’re all completely achievable. Granted, it will take some long hours and sweat – as the Petersiks will attest to – but with a mix of muted and bold paint choices, and some homely yet very personal touches, the Petersiks have struck the perfect balance. They are warm, welcoming and the love that went into both homes is as clear as day in every room. Please do check out the couple’s blog when you get a spare sec (not forgetting the blog of their dog, Burger!)… but for the moment, here are my favourite rooms from the homes they have made over (the gallery walls! Love! As seen here):

{images via Young House Love}

{Glass Cloche / Sasha Round Mirror / Maskros Ceiling Lamp / Sheepskin Rug}

spotlight on: atlanta bartlett

I well and truly took advantage of the long Easter weekend and therefore granted myself a 4-day blog break. Sometimes it’s nice to remove myself from technology (apart from my iPhone, let’s not get crazy) and spend quality time with my family, just sat in the garden soaking up the unseasonably gorgeous weather, with my mum’s cat jumping over everyone. Unfortunately the summer dress I wore has a little sleeve and now I’ve got a slight case of “trucker’s arm”, but I’m hoping friends will be too polite to comment. I hope you all had a lovely, relaxing break too.
Now, back to business and today’s subject: Atlanta Bartlett. I must confess to having a complete style crush on whatever project she takes on and the many strings to her bow. Her career started at House & Gardens, and she then went on to become a successful freelance stylist and author, as well as running a locations agency, producing a range of decorative ceramics and running an online boutique store. And she has three children. I know. It wore me out just reading her ‘About’ page. Anyway, it’s her online boutique, Pale & Interesting that I’m concentrating on today, because it’s absolutely packed full of the most beautiful items. I adore this style of interior more than I can tell you… it’s shabby chic meets New England meets rustic country. Take a look at some shots from her look book, because it will have you at ‘pink peonies’:

Yep, seriously. That just happened. Do you now want apothecary jars, antlers that hold tealights, and monogrammed cushions? Me too. Oh and these things as well, please:

{products available at: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8}
What do you think of Atlanta’s style?

more than words

When Heidi Klum recently revealed that the Beckhams’ kids are so well-behaved that after they’ve been to a birthday party they write a handwritten thank you note to the host on their own headed paper, the following thoughts popped into my head: 1) I highly doubt that it’s the children’s idea to write these letters (I suspect Posh is behind that move somewhere, call it a hunch), and 2) erm, back up a sec, their own headed paper?! I don’t even have my own headed paper. I’m being socially trumped by 3 children, sorry, 3 boys, under 12. I clearly need to something about this, so I’ve had a scout around online for the perfect personalised correspondence cards, and a pick from the following bespoke stationery designers could be just the ticket to transform me into the consummate guest (*mutters* their own headed paper…):

{available at: Romeo + Jules / Blush / Honey Tree / Ten and Sixpence / Manzanita Press / Typoretum / Peace, Love & Letterpress}