Liberty of London … Christmas windows 2014

 

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I am spending far too much time reminiscing about this time last year in London … the Christmas windows, the shopping, the Christmas lights and catching up with friends !!  I couldn’t help but take a peek at Liberty’s windows this year.
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Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty excel with their window display and they simply must be seen to be believed.  In Paris it is without doubt Hermes who win the prize.
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They sparkle like jewels and are surrounded by crowds of admirers and adoring children, all rugged up against the winter chill.
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All this is made that much more atmospheric with the shorter days … the evening closing in by around 3.30pm.  This is the cue to head to somewhere smart like Claridges or Browns for High Tea or .. simply champagne.
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This is without doubt my favourite time of year to be in London … they do Christmas like nowhere else and I can’t wait to give you a glimpse of London this time last year.
Christmas 2014 is the beach for us … and I can’t wait but am reminiscing !!
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Stone houses and a weekend in the southern highlands

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Yes another wet weekend in the highlands but it doesn’t seem to have deterred the holiday makers and visitors ….. people everywhere …. impossible to even get a seat in a cafe.

Out of town, however, it is all very atmospheric …. misty rain and wintry landscape …. this is why people come to the highlands !!!

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Driving through the countryside the many dry stone walls that this area is known for, are now more visible …. and seem to go on for miles.

I have always been drawn to houses made of stone …. and there are quite a few in the highlands. They just seem to nestle into the landscape.

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On the inside, exposed stone works best with a soft neutral palette of creams, caramel and greys.

The use of timber whether it be natural, limed or painted ….. compliments or can contrast with the stone beautifully.

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Apart from its beautiful texture, exposed stone has a warmth that brings an interior to life. If a whole house made of stone isn’t possible …. maybe a stone fireplace and hearth is !!

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images: at home

Northern Winter Retreat vs Summer Beach House

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via myparadissi

I have to say that I am currently bombarded online with winter images as all my favourite suppliers, blogs and stores abroad, whether it be London or New York are featuring their winter collections on sale. It is quite bazaar given that we are lapping up the sun, surf and sand here or on holiday.

Yes the weather has been, for the most part dismal but we are trying to be in beach mode.  I always look longingly over the summer at images in Design Magazines featuring ‘the beach house’ look, thinking how I can incorporate just a little touch of this into Home.  Maybe it is just the token bowl of shells or piece of coral.  I yearn for the actual beachhouse where you could do the whole ‘look’ with a palette of driftwood and azure blue, turquoise or inky navy.

However….. it always amuses me just how quickly Autumn creeps up on us and by Easter there is that chill in the air.  I always feel a little cheated and that the summer has been all too short.

Having had a taste of the beach while the sun has shone briefly during the last week I am not ready for anything resembling Autumn.

There are of course those who choose to travel to London, Paris, New York or even ski in the Northern Hemisphere, forgoing the summer holiday altogether.

I have to say I do love this interior shot of the mountain lodge…..the ski lodge with plaid sofas, leather and rustic timber finishes. Tartan is divine anywhere, anytime….Ralph Lauren does it best along with Mulberry!!!!!

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