Christmas Windows … Cartier New Bond Street, London
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Christmas in London .. a glimpse .. No 2
Winter greige … your warm colour palette
I am taking my winter inspiration from The Wild Rabbit in the Cotswolds. This is yet another stylish project by Carole Bamford of the Daylesford Organic empire.
The classic English Country House style that we have loved for so long has come of age. Still deliciously warm and inviting, the colour palette has changed and is very much of the moment … stone, putty, greige, khaki and cocoa … just perfect for a cold climate or in fact, our winter.
We do a cooler version of it here with our warmer climate, however in winter it is all about replacing the crisp white with softer hues of rich cream, biscuit tones and greige.
Stone flooring in warm tones (see The Wild Rabbit above) can underpin the overall feeling of warmth and can be layered with wonderfully textured rugs in a similar colour palette.
The introduction of soft bleached timbers works well with this colour palette as does a fabric choice of stone washed linens or aged leather in faded shades.
To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug …
My tips for a cosy southern highlands winter
Winter in the Southern Highlands .. an easy 90 minutes south west of Sydney (out of peak hour) … is my favourite time of year. More akin to a northern hemisphere winter and every bit as enjoyable, once you have geared up for it. I have to admit that I did freeze during my first couple of winters.
The first step is to invest in good quality blankets .. and I don’t think you can go past beautiful Waverley blankets. They are always coming up with a new collection and the latest colours to feature rather than hide under a bedspread.
My very favourite thing to do when returning home to the Highlands after a trip to Sydney is to make sure that the wood basket is full to overflowing .. even if it means many trips to the wood pile .. quite a pleasurable task. You never know what you will discover in the garden along the way .. so much can change from week to week. This week it was the snowdrops …
Of course a stylish wood basket is a must. Dirty Janes is a your first stop for a traditional basket or Cloth and General for a more contemporary version. Koskela in Sydney would offer something creative.
It goes without saying that an inviting ambience is essential and this is all about cosy furnishings, the right fabrics and of course an open fire. Don’t be afraid of a little glamour … a chandelier is never out of place.
And I will end on a practical note .. always have curtains made with a bumph lining (layers of flannelette will do the job). This will guarantee that the winter chills are kept firmly at bay.
There is nothing like a true winter in our beautiful Southern Highlands.
The warmth of wood … now winter is here
Cold, wind and rain abound and we are thinking warm and cosy interiors and all that go with it.
The glow of candles, bamboo lamp light and the warmth of timber.
Earthy tones and rustic settings.
Exposed timber new or old, makes an architectural statement and creates its own warm colour palette.
The appeal of wool and cashmere fabrics no matter what colour palette.
The warmth of rustic materials, fabulous design and clever lighting .. so simple !!
images: tumblr, browndresswithwhitedots
Weekend woollens in the highlands
Another wet and cold weekend in the highlands. Whatever has happened to our sunny winter days and crystal blue skies. My memories of winter are those of finding a sunny spot in the garden to sit with a tray … pot of tea, a slice of boiled fruit cake and papers to read … absolute bliss. Not this year !! I watch from the window as the first sign of bulbs appear under the trees and yearn for Spring. Even our sasanqua camellias have rebelled with very few blossoms on show. I am looking for a lot more colour with the Japonica’s.
images:remodelista
Instead we are cosying up inside with woolly blankets, throw rugs and open fires.
I do love the old fashioned check blankets and seek them out in antique shops. I found some gorgeous ones at out local antique emporium that had come from Scotland … such interesting colours and so homely. More than anything I love a blanket stitch edge. Even more homespun !!
Cath Kidston does wonderful things with vintage blankets … she makes cushions with them and even covers wing back chairs with one or a number of check blankets in patchwork . They look fabulous.
Maybe our cold wet winter will inspire some of these creative activities … in the meantime I will just bring out that scarf that I started to knit last year but didn’t finish. No doubt Monday morning will bring the sun !!
Stone houses and a weekend in the southern highlands
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 !!!
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.
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.
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 !!
The winter home with ralph lauren
Winter is well and truly here if today is anything to go by. Temperatures have plummeted …. days are short …. and there is no place like a cosy home …. even better, with a glowing fire.
Home in winter means baskets of freshly cut wood and pine cones gathered on walks …. bowls of apples and pears …. the texture of wool, cashmere, corduroy, velvets and knits …. tartan throw rugs to curl up with or simply add warmth to the mood of the room.
When the weather is bleak enjoy time in the kitchen cooking up a storm …. indulge in the odd hot chocolate …. enjoy the scents of winter with collections of candles. A bare branch in a vase will compliment the more wintry tones …. bowls of camellias, a welcome splash of colour.
Ralph Lauren does wintry textured fabrics so well …. and they are available here. Remember a neutral palette allows for seasonal change …. much like the layering up we do with fashion !!
