Hygge Nook

Bedside tables (at last!)

 
I've mentioned before that I've really struggled to find nice bedside tables and have made do with a cheap as chips Ikea Lack table for a while. On a wander around Ikea I spotted the Hemnes side table in a living room set. Despite the absence of a pull out drawer it was pretty spot on. Thanks to the clean lines and white painted solid wood, if I tire of them later, they can be repurposed into any other room.

Boyfriend was promptly dispatched to collect two. And has assembled them. *Heart*

New chandelier

I've had this lovely chandelier on my wishlist for ages and ages. Every time I've spotted a capiz shell pendant in a magazine, I've known that I wanted one. And this Laura Ashley chandelier was pretty perfect. But could I justify spending £70 on a pretty lampshade? In short, no.

Then, it happened. It went on sale. Oh, yay! I still ummed and ahhed over a day then decided that I had the money sat in the bank, it was 25% off and by gosh, I'd wanted it for a long time so I splurged and bought it.

 

Pretty! The shells tinkle most beautifully when caught in a breeze (or when I flip the duvet) and I'm sure I'll have it in the house for years. With money off and paying for it there and then, it was a no-guilt purchase. The best kind, don't you think?

I'll note as well, that delivery was swift, it was well packed and I would definately order from Laura Ashley online again.

I love you blogs print vignette

Remember the fun print I bought for a mere $15 from Etsy seller MadeByGirl? Here it is on the dresser at the foot of my bed. I've framed it with an ornate white frame that I found in Paperchase for £15 -  as an aside, this shop is fab btw with a whole floor stuffed with household treasures in their Tottenham Road branch, why they don't have a proper online store is beyond me.

And the little green and white patterned bowls were a cheap'n'easy solution for storing and finding my jewellery - they were just £2.29 for the pair at Ikea. I can hang earrings with hooks over the sides and pop studs and rings inside for easy peasy finding.

Capiz shell chandelier

Pardon me for another self-indulgent 'wanty wanty want!' post but I do like this light shade.

It's made of pretty creamy capiz shells and whilst I think calling it a chandelier is somewhat of an overdescription, I do think it's lovely (£65 at Laura Ashley).

John Lewis' rubberwood bedside tables

I've been on the look out for new bedside tables for a while and with a new bed making its way onto my wishlist, there's a more pressing need than ever to find the right ones. I think I've spotted some great side tables - made from ivory painted rubberwood, they have the crucial drawer and shelf combo that I've been looking for to give maximum storage. However, the knob is decidedly boring and I feel it would look a whole lot better swapped out for a crystal beauty and at £95 that's certainly affordable (edit - that is, affordable when you consider they will be used for years and years).

What have you got your eye on this week?

Lulu Guinness' Life is a Bed of Rose cushion

I've just been browsing the October issue of Living etc and having a good old coo at Lulu Guinness' pretty home (violet linen sofa? Yes please!) I actually wanted to check out the gorgeous butterfly Papillon throw she has wrapped around her but couldn't find it (edit - I did find it.... for *gasp* £1800 at Dotmaison). However, I am charmed by this cushion. I love wordy prints dotted about and the white cotton paired with fuchsia piping is girly without being in your face. It's down from £40 to £28. Should I stump up? (I suspect my four year old daughter would pinch it pronto).

Wishlist: Componibili cabinet

I've wanted one of these cabinets for ages and ages and I'm toying with the idea of buying one for my bedside cabinet (the £3.99 bargain Ikea Lack table I picked up is OK but I don't love it).

This one would work well - it has enough space on top for a book and cup and three sliding drawers to hide my bits 'n' pieces. Heals have it for £77 though I wonder if I might be able to find it a little cheaper if I shop around. Does anyone have one? What do you think of it?

Little fish, little fish: Normann Copenhagen cristal carafe

I'm trying to harmonise beauty and function in my house, after all, why have things that you don't truly love? And if they amuse you too, well, all the better! And that's why this carafe and cups set caught my eye. See the fish? Wouldn't it be to see it bobbing around once the carafe is filled.

I don't think it would work out as a picnic item (too heavy I imagine) but stockists Bodie & Fou suggest keeping it in the guest room for night time thirst. It comes with five plastic cups too, all for £39.50.

Update your bedroom with white bedding

I do so want some white bed linen but between my jet black cat and the hairiest boyfriend on the planet, white bed linen may not be happening in my house any time soon. But there is something so very fresh and appealing about white linen, isn't there? It's also a great compromise between genders. White can be feminised with pintucks and pleats yet still without getting too frou frou and it's easy to update with accent colours - I'm particularly enamoured with the punchy pinks and oranges of the Next set whilst the others have lovely textured detailing:

Bright stripe bedding £25- £55 plus cushion £12, bed runner £18 all from Next.

Tesco white waffle double bed set, £29.36

White seersucker check £17.50-£42.50

John Rocha white purity bedlinen £18- £65 at Debenhams

Children's bedding and other pretties at Lulu & Nat

Lulu and Nat have been going for a year now with one half of the team (Lulu) based in India and the other (Nat) here in England. Searching for children's bedding they realised there was a gap in the market - just like any other parents who has searched high and low for something other than cartoon character embellished duvets. So they created their own using Indian techniques to create quintessentially English designs with pretty and colourful products. The prices are on the higher side - you're looking at £26 for a pillowcase - but they are delicious. The range also includes some delicate union jack cushions, butterfly motifs and colourful throws. Delightful, aren't they?

Clockwise L-R: Floral single quilt, pink union jack cushion, embroidered butterfly cushion, floral throws, butterfly spot cot quilt, cot quilts.