Faux flowers have seen an explosion in demand in recent years. Trying to fill your home with fresh flowers every week not only seems a waste when they don't last that long but frankly can also cost a fortune. Its no wonder then that we are choosing to invest in timeless faux versions, especially since they have come such a long way in design and quality from the artificially plastic wildly colourful pieces that used to grace our parents home! But there's a new trend on the horizon in the floral market and it looks to be the next big trend. Step aside faux flowers, because dried flowers are snapping at your heels. Yes many of you will balk at the idea of filling your home with dust gathering dried flower stems which remind your of your grandmothers house. Yet just like faux flowers, they too have come a long way. Today's offerings include more exotic flower species, grasses and variations which have been cleverly coloured or bleached for a contemporary look. Offering longevity over their freshly cut originals, the demand for dried flowers appears to have started with the Wedding industry. A wide variation of pretty colours and stems enabled the bride's bouquet and displays to remain a true keepsake of her day. A stunning piece of memorabilia which remains exactly they way it was at the time. Pinterest has been filled with images of magnificent displays from floral wedding artists showing off their talents such as those below and the designers market has suddenly caught on...   A magnificent display of Dried Flowers. Image courtesy of Pinterest Beautiful dried wedding flowers. Image courtesy of Nouba.com.au So what do you think? Could you become an early adapter of this new trend or are you still not convinced. Well, we have to say that having seen some truly beautiful pieces we are seriously starting to fall in love with them. Hence the reason to introduce a new collection to our flower shop. A perfect way to add a touch of timeless yet contemporary natural beauty to your home, our top styling tips for dried flowers are... Keep it simple Floral artists have been cleverly creating magnificent displays but it can be very hard for the average home owner to recreate so our suggestions would be to keep it simple. A few stems of dried cotton stalks or poppy heads for example is a simple but incredibly effective way to add naturalistic beauty to your interior Colour Theres a trend taking place for brightly coloured dried flowers currently too, reds, oranges even greens and blues. Our advice and thoughts on the subject would be to stick to more naturalistic tones. That being said we do loved the bleached look as you will see from our collection. So if you are just dipping your toe in to this floral market we suggest you play safe. Neutral colours will add interest and texture without being in your face. Vessel Tall Grey Vase 2 ways... Vase £34 The vessel you choose can make all the difference to how these pieces look. Dried flowers are a more subtle display and command a lighter more natural vase to accompany them. So think ceramics or glass and steer clear of heavy metals, particularly shiny ones. Dried flowers are a prime example of Wabi Wabi philiopsopy in which we are told to appreciate the ageing process and the imperfection of handmade so a beautiful crafted piece could be just the thing. So it could be that dried flowers will be likened to Marmite, you'll either love or hate them. Yet we promise you will be exposed to them and perhaps you might be convinced to give them a try. So if you're feeling brave, head over to our new collection. There's got to be a little corner of your home that is crying out for some! Dried Craspedia £18 Dried Phalaris £20 Dried Thistle £10

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall" F. Scott Fitzgerald Autumn, possibly our favourite time if the year, when the colours of nature totally compensate for the fading of the summer sun. Its a time to gaze at the world around us and its also a time when we want to capture the beautiful scenery and bring more of the outside in. Its the prefect season to truly show off your layering skills. For those of you unfamiliar with this interior design term, its really quite easy. Merely compare layering your home to layering your clothes. Just as you would add layers to your outfit (shoes, handbag, jewellery, scarf, coat etc), your home needs layering too. It's the process which truly prevents a scheme from looking flat. Starting with a blank canvas of furniture and paintwork, adding accessories and layering your shelves, sofa and even table helps to make your house a home. In autumn we feel the need for comfort, craving this in foods, smells, warmth and relaxing ambiences. So in order to create a cozy atmosphere in your home, be sure to consider the senses.. Sight: Colour Autumn is possibly our favourite month for colour. The abundance of changing colours of the leaves, the golden brown of the harvest and the crisp dew on the grass which has gained back its colour following the dry summer months. No wonder that we want to capture that and reflect it in our homes. So for a simple Autumn colour palette be sure to incorporate some deeper colours, it doesn't have to bright, just rich. Think dark olive green, burnt orange, deep greys, warm tan and midnight blues. Place them in your home in a number of places, cushions on your sofa, a vase on your kitchen island unit, a throw on your favourite armchair or new pieces on your dining table. The beautiful colours captured in this image perfectly reflect the Autumnal tones. Image fro Pinterest. Get a similar look with our rich green cushion and camel alpaca throw below. Touch: Texture Texture is a key element for adding interest to a scheme, but be sure to mix it up. A home filled with the same elements merely looks flats and uninviting. Instead create interest and a haven of relaxation with sumptuous cushions combining, wool, heavy linens and velvets for example. Adorn your sofa with a soft tactile throw perfect for snuggling in and a great addition to your cushions. Our white velvet cushion for example, looks beautiful against the new Alpaca throws. Small accessories are also a great and inexpensive way to change the mood of your home. Pieces of wood bring natural elegance and warmth to the scheme and textural variation can also be achieved through ceramic pieces, such as our range of Scandinavian bud vases. Don't forget your candle holders either, coloured glass versions will help soften the atmosphere. Image courtesy of Cate St HillA lovely blend of colour tones but also textures, from the chrome lamp to the mohair throw which breathes life into this space. Beautiful Scandinavian natural textures in furniture, accessories and soft furnishings. Our collection of ceramic vases below are a perfect way to style seasonal stems.   Smell: Scent Whilst we all love a room diffuser and a scented candle to provide a welcoming scent in our homes, we cam often get stuck in a rut sticking to one candle of our favourite scent. Try to mix it up a bit for the seasons. During the winter months you can afford to try a floral scent with a slightly heavier overtone, with a combination of wood or Oud for example. This will instantly evoke feelings of comfort and warmth. Our Louisa scent is ideal for this, a rose base blended with Oud is both feminine and strong at the same time. There's nothing more relaxing than snuggling under a warm throw amidst candlelight Its easy to achieve variation in your home with maximum impact and just a few small changes, so don't be afraid to give it a try and think of it as gradually building out your wardrobe. Buy timeless pieces that will carry your through the seasons year after year.

There is no better material for adding luxury and a feeling of warmth to your home than velvet. A material which oozes elegance and sophistication, velvet is once again set to have its moment this season. A pleasure not only to look at but to touch, adding velvet cushions to your sofa or a velvet shade to your lamp can instantly exude style and comfort. Whilst traditionally velvet has been synonymous with darker colours predonimantly a material for the rich it is often associated with stately homes adorned with antiques upholstered in velvet frequently having seen better days. It is now being used in abundance in headboards, sofas and accessories in a wide variety of colours. But you don't need to go overboard with the fabric, you can introduce it in smaller accessories which don't cost the earth but instantly update your look. Cushions So you can never have enough cushions! So using velvet cushions in your displays is an easy way to introduce an on trend refresh at any time of the year. A simple plain colour is striking enough to break up pattered fabrics or can compliment other plain colours and the beauty of velvet is that it sits perfectly with most fabrics. Take this deep rust cushion toned with the navy. And the white sits perfectly on it's own or with both. All enhance each other very well, but mix with a patterned linen cushion or a heavy cotton loom and they will look stunning together without you even trying! A selection of our Velvet Cushions beautifully piped with linen. Lampshades The trick with velvet if you are not adventurous enough is to add in small doses and a lampshade is perfect because it can be used on a small scale but can have a very satisfying result. Shown here is our Shiva black lamp base with petrol blue shade. The base is fairly plain but the texture and the colour combined with the gold inside gives that feeling of warmth and decadence with or without the bulb on. Shiva base and Petrol velvet shade Upholstery You just can't beat a velvet chair or sofa, they are timeless! Being expensive pieces if you choose a hue that you love it will definately stand the test of time. Think about this time of year snuggling up on a velvet sofa with the fire lit under a sumptuous throw. As well as being a soft, comfortable fabric velvet will not clash with other fabrics within your home. A large sofa instantly draws you in and if layered with cushions and throws correctly can look even more inviting. If your space is limited why not go for a more streamlined armchair or a bench at the end of your bed. Image from Pinterest Curtains The Theatre springs to mind with this one. The huge red stage curtains filling the audience with anticipation as to what dramas unfold once the reams of fabric are elegantly pulled back! Unless you live in a Palace the majority of homes can't take this with such scale but if proportioned properly can still look amazing. A big bay window dressed with velvet can look amazing and particularly in the winter months could help with the drafts. If you don't want such a heavy look why not combine a heavy linen with a velvet border edge to still give that feel of luxury to your room. Wallpaper Sometimes called Flock wallpaper this originated in Ancient China. The styles generally are inspired by India, Arabic, Rococo, Boroque and China. Not only does it look luxurious and expensive there are a lot of advantages to using velvet on the walls which you may not have realised. The product has excellent thermal insulation. They are of high quality, durable and soft. Easy to use and can be cleaned with a damp cloth often. It can perfectly hide uneven walls and is considered the most environmentally friendly. A+ fire resistance so does not ignite. Who would have known! So why not give it a go even if it's on an accent wall. So why not give it a go this season and give your home that luxury but understated update it deserves! We're here to help as always if you need us.

In religious practise, lighting a candle signifies a prayer being said for someone and it can also symbolise purity and goodness. In every day life for us, lighting a candle is synonymous with the end of a work day, a time for calm and relaxation. A point in the day when work is over, dinner is done, the little ones are asleep and the teenagers chilling in their rooms. Sound over indulgent or trivial? Certainly not. In an era of heightened mental health awareness non of us should feel ashamed for taking some time out to work on our own well-being and even a simple lit candle can help you to do so... Beautiful Glass Candlesticks available online The Science Part It's been scientifically proven that candles have meditating qualities. Their soft mesmerising light provides a soothing aid to help create a sense of peace and tranquility. This is great news for those of us who find it hard to switch off. The simple lighting of a candle will encourage our brains to enter into a more relaxed state resulting in a reduction of stress. The Experience The low light level of a candle is immediately cause with our sight which sends a mesmerising message to our brains and enables not only our minds but our bodies to relax also. Its no wonder then that spa and yoga retreats and even restaurants aiming for a romantic ambience place candles in strategic places to encourage occupants to gain a relaxed sensory experience from their visit. Table styled using Astoria Dinnerware, Grey Glassware and simple glass tea light holder and candlesticks Scented Candles A scented candle can also be a powerful trigger. The choice of a fragrance depicts a mood which is unique to each person who smells it. Whilst some may be drawn to certain overtures, others may find them repulsive. Also changing your scented candles for the seasons can evoke feelings of a fresh start in Spring or cosiness in Autumn. During Autumn/Winter for example we favour the heavier woody scent of our Louisa candle. Whilst the Tranquility candle is more akin to Spring/Summer months with a combination of floral and citrus scents. The uplifting aromas of spa-like Tranquility scent... Let's not overlook style! So whilst we can now appreciate the health benefits of candles, you can also use candles as a design statement. It's the finishing touches of a room which are often overlooked but are so key to a design success. Layer your home with accessories to create a warm inviting space. Candle holders come in all shapes and sizes and designs. So there is something for everyone available out there. Large pieces such as our stunning metal lanterns can have a wonderful impact on a room. Equally smaller colours glass tea light holders placed on a coffee table add style and provide lovely low level lighting. One again we always recommend placement in odd numbers for visual impact so choose one large or small piece depending on the area you wish to style. Alternatively a group of 3 will look stunning too. Grey Vases and Frosted Candle Holder, all from Layered Lounge. (Plus visit our new Dried Flower Collection!) So however busy your lives are, remember to take time out for you. Remember that no matter how guilty you feel at putting the breaks on, moments of relaxation will result in a better nights sleep and that will only make you more productive tomorrow! So stop what you are doing, light a candle, sit down and just breathe...

We have worked with SJ from Justalittlebuild on numerous occasions over the past 2 years. She loves to decorate a table as much as we do. So when SJ was planning to surprise her Mum for her 60th Birthday and asked for our help how could we refuse! Colour Palette A colour palette predominantly of pinks and golds was chosen, adorned with simple flowers and candlelight to set the mood. With 3 6ft trestle tables to cover we came up with a repeat pattern of products of various heights, textures and colours to add that touch of class. Texture The focal point for each table was the globe vase filled with pink & white blooms. For texture and colour, our best-selling matt ceramic bud vases were then dotted throughout. Height & Candlelight Candle light creates an intimate, pretty ambience. Achieved with a combination of heights with the simple glass candle sticks and deco glass votives. Using glass pieces creates a light and airy feel. Finally, the addition of the amber frosted candle holders, creates a beautiful warm glow. When you layer the table with texture, height and keep your colour palette simple, you can't go wrong! Beautifully styled table Full view of the tables for the guests Happy Birthday SJ's Mum! Chosen Products Selection of vases used for the flower displays : Small White ribbed bud vase at £12 Small Pink ribbed bud vase at £8 Globe Vase at £24 Selection of candle holders used: Amber Frosted Candle Holder Small at £13 Simple Glass candle stick small and Medium at £10 & £12 Deco Glass votive at £5 The white lanterns were dotted around the barn with LED candlelight and two of the stunning glass hurricanes were positioned on the cake table. To finish off the tables and the room setting SJ chose the rose pink linen napkins and alternated with the white linen napkins to tie in the colour scheme. To view any of the products and achieve the same look click on the wording to take you straight to shop. Do pop over to SJ's account to see more images from start to finish. https://justalittlebuild.com/2019/05/31/come-dine-with-les-a-surprise-60th-dinner-party-for-my-mum/h Happy Party Planning!

The show everyone talks about.. This is the second year we have visited this event and we have to say its one of our favourites! It is set in the stunning grounds of the Hole Park Estate near Tenterden, Kent. So we packed up the van and a car with our chosen pieces and headed off to set up. The weather forecast was not looking great, but that didn't dampen our spirits as we were excited to showcase our new summer collections and to meet up with old and new customers. Partaking in this kind of event is a great way to carry out valuable market research as well as to get the brand name out there. Generally, and I think we can blow our own trumpets here, the feedback has always been very positive and we are grateful for our loyal following around this area! A view from the House of the wonderful set up. The event consists of five large retail marquees (in which we were based), an outside avenue of stalls and a vast range of street food and plant stalls. In it's 11th year it was the biggest and best yet, showcasing over 250 handpicked exhibitors selling contemporary and vintage homewares, garden accessories, fabulous fashion jewellery as well as artisan food and drink. All exhibitors at the fair are carefully chosen for their exceptional quality, good craftsmanship, originality and fine designs. We can vouch for that as we did come home with some fab goodies for ourselves and the family - oops! We were honoured to be asked to do a talk in the Home & Garden Hub sponsored by NFU Mutual. We decided to give a talk on how to "Create the perfect table setting for effortless and stylish summer entertaining". Being our first live talk nerves were high (especially for Lou). Sadly the weather was not in our favour but the show went on through the downpour nonetheless and we discussed the styling of two tablescapes. One of our shelf displays at the event Table 1 - A lunchtime get together, casual Moroccan theme We used our Astoria range for a more rustic look, simple glass vases for summer blooms dotted down the table, white linen napkins, terracotta placemats to give the theme a natural colour lift and add some texture. It's a nice idea to use smaller serving dishes when the table is busy so that pairs of guests can share the food options. For this we used Astoria stoneware serving plates,and ramekins which can be placed in-between the guests. One of our displays featuring the beach/coastal theme Table 2 - An evening affair, beach/coastal theme. Here we used the beautiful white linen table cloth, navy placemats, to bring add some blue elements, the Pearl range for a crisp white feel, 2 glass hurricanes filled with sand and a twisted cream candle, navy napkins, balloon wine glasses, white and amber frosted candle holders. To add that beach vibe add our sea urchins around the table or place on each plate. We style the majority of our imagery and table scapes are one of our favourites. Having meals as a family everyday or when entertaining are all as important as each other and adding those little touches to give the table a wow factor does not have to be expensive or take forever. We're not asking you to change your whole dinner set but by adding a new serving dish, a coloured placemat or napkin, inexpensive tea light holders or vases to a theme really can up the anti for your guests or family. So give it a go, don't be afraid to experiment. A Summer table setting option We also meet some other amazing brands at these events, who's products we loyally love and purchase and who become really good friends. Here is a list of our favourites, so look them up and support small local businesses. www.neonbeachclub.com www.TWseven.co.uk www.2littleboys.co.uk www.tipperleyhill.com www.sevenfeetapart.com

Just like an island unit is to the kitchen, the coffee table is an anchor of your living space. A piece of furniture which pulls together a design scheme and creates a warm hub around which to congregate. Its also one of the main objects which draws your eye as you enter a room. So, it's important that from a styling perspective it doesn't get overlooked. Styling your coffee table decor is not a difficult or complicated process but neglecting it can leave a room feeling flat. We've created a few simple guidelines to help you create those finishing touches with ease and in very little time. So here are our top tips: Balance The Look Balance is what makes things look and feel comfortable. You can use symmetry to create balance or style your possessions asymmetrically. For symmetry, for example, you would place a feature piece in the middle of your coffee table and match heights of items either side. If you wanted a less formal look then go for asymmetry, which is much more popular these days. Remove the central piece, create height at one end and balance with a longer display of objects towards the other end. See images below. Asymmetrical Balance Vignettes A vignette is essentially a group of objects. A curated collection of some of your favourite pieces. Items which compliment each other well through colour palette, texture or shape. You should style these vignettes in groups of odd numbers. There really are no hard and fast rules of how to do this, it is really down to trial and error, using your naked eye and personal taste as your judge. For a vignette is all about adding your own personality to your home. A group of vignettes which share a similar colour palette and an emphasis on texture, tape and some natural materials which brings the earthy look together Space Do not allow your objects to overpower your space. Yes, you want to create some height on your table but being able to see across it and engage with family and friends is also important. Filling a table to the edges also does not allow it to be used for practical purposes such as placing your drink or book down. So be wary of overcrowding it. Equally you should not fall into the trap of believing that a small coffee table should be decorated with small objects. Sometimes fewer but more bold pieces can have greater effect. This coffee table has so much going on that there is barely a place to put a cup of tea! Cohesion Whilst the coffee table is an individual piece of furniture, it is not an island! So styling it should take inspiration from the other elements around the room to form a cohesive look. Such as the natural materials that have been used, colour scheme, or overall style of room you are looking to achieve (Scandi, Industrial, Eclectic etc.). You wouldn't put a collection of brightly in your face garish pieces on the coffee table if you are aiming for a laid back modern coastal look. Here the monochrome styling of the room is continued through to the coffee table decor Image: Homevialaura The Stylists Best Friend Finally if in doubt get a tray. A simple styling trick used by the professionals. Placing a tray on your coffee table and styling your objects inside is easy and effective. It brings together a collection. It's also practical, because if at any point you need more space then you can just lift it all off in one go. Our lacquered white tray is ideal from puling together a collection of objects on your coffee table. We hope this helps with just a few simple tips and tricks of the trade. If you are looking for some stylish coffee table decor then here are our top 3 picks... Faux Shells - click here Smoke Vase - click here Handcrafted wooden tray - click here

Despite how digital we have all become you simply cannot beat the touch and feel of a good book. From a styling perspective its also the perfect way to add a human touch to a room and create that feel of relaxation. So with book sales on the rise again, and their increasing popularity amongst stylists, its no wonder the "coffee table book" even has its own category within publishing houses. So how can you get that professionally styled look using your book collection? Here are our top tips... The coffee table stack. If you have a selection of beautiful hard back books, with lovely looking covers then show them off. Stack a pile, on your coffee table and finish off with an ornament on top. This adds height and interest to this flat top piece of furniture. If your table is large enough you can create multiple piles of varying heights. Try also leaving a book opened with a beautiful page showing fro a truly relaxed look and see how quickly your guests are drawn to it! Shelving display For shelf styling, remember you don't have to stand them all upright in a uniform way. Alternate instead, lay some piles of books flat and others upright. Create a diagonal that draws the whole look together: for example on the top shelf position upright books in the right corner, shelf below position books laid flat in the left corner and repeat as you go down the shelving unit. The floor-stack A stack of books positioned on the floor within reach of the sofa helps to create that relaxed vibe. If you have an empty fireplace you can even stack a few in that too for a more eclectic look. Show the page side A very effective design trick can also be to turn the books around and show the page side rather than the bound edge, especially if the covers are not so attractive. Showing the pages creates a harmonious colour scheme, creating a neutral backdrop for other more vibrant decorative accents. Colour coding Alternatively if you have an abundance of books you could also try to colour code them for a unique look. Place books of similar coloured covers on each shelf. You can then add colour coordinated accessories around that scheme. Go vintage Wandering around old flea markets, charity shops and antique filled villages you will likely come across an abundance of beautiful old books. Whilst you may not be enticed to read them all they would make wonderful decorative objects for your shelves. We love to mix the old with the new and this is a superb way of doing so.

Have you ever heard the term Wabi Sabi? You would be forgiven if you haven't. In the interior design world the Wabi Wabi influence took off last year and its growing popularity means its here to stay. It could even take over from the recent trend for "Hygge". We love it. Wabi-Sabi originates from Japan. Its is a philosophy that has been around since the 15th Century and is the ability to find beauty in imperfection and impermanent. Cherishing the ageing process as a natural process of life and appreciating all the attributes that comes with it. From the wrinkles on a face, the wear and tear of an object or indeed the cracks in a building. The philosophy focuses on simplicity and puts authenticity at its heart and soul. How does this translate into our home decor? Wabi refers to peace and harmony, whilst Sabi means "bloom of time". In home decor terms, Wabi Sabi is a simplistic design influence, bringing in all things natural and pure. It is a change of mindset away from aiming for perfection, to appreciating the imperfect. To some extent, you could view this influence as a rebellion against mass produced items. A movement towards handmade and unique goods. Pieces that represent their maker and tell a story, with imperfections and organic shapes. From items you buy to those your family members have made. Such as the pottery your children made in school or a blanket knitted by your grandmother. A soothing colour palette combines with natural textures and simple styling in this fabulous apartment Image credits: lefvander.se Practicality Possessions are pared back and valued for their beauty and utility. A less is more style, you should select items not only for how they look but how they will be used. Our Oslo bowls are a fine example. They look stunning but also make superb fruit or serving bowls. Equally the handmade Seagrass tray is a beautiful addition to a kitchen island but can also be used to carry your drinks or tea outside. Oslo Bowls by Layered Lounge - beautiful organic shape and smooth matt ceramic Natural Materials With an appreciation of the world around us, natural materials feature highly in Wabi Sabi. So you can overlay this philosophy on to other design styles too. If you are a lover of Scandinavian design then incorporate ample light wood into your scheme. A Mediterranean style could see hand made terracotta pots dotted around the place. Other materials which age well over time such as stone or linen would also be good choices. An abundance of natural materials add warmth to this otherwise stark white bedroom. Image credit: Arkpad Colour Wabi Sabi colour schemes also take their cue from nature. This actually leaves a lot of artistic scope when it comes to your colour choice. The change in seasons, for example, can be a rainbow of inspiration from the burnt orange of the leaves in Autumn to the vivid pink of the blossom in spring. But overall, a Wabi Sabi colour palette will be calming and help create a relaxing place to live. Think earthy tones and natural shades, such as greens, beige, blues but pops of colour inspired by florals. Sumptuous earthy tones in this bedroom scheme add warmth to the room and turn it into a true sanctuary to relax in. Styling When you put your scheme together, simplicity is key! Each piece needs to be able to breathe and be seen. With Wabi Sabi the look is very much paired back, unlike a maxi design style, negative spaces can simply be left empty. This bodes well for our change in focus on consumption reduction and less wastage to prevent further harm of the planet. So create a clutter free home with a more considered approach to purchases. Choose fewer pieces but invest in those you love. Simple styling of our Hero pots. Rustic handmade beauty. Mindset Above all remember that Wabi Sabi originates not from a design style but a philosophy. It is a mindset. Learning to be content with life, appreciating the simple pleasures and the ageing journey. We can take away a lot from this thinking.. To read more about Wabi Sabi, take a look at the following book recommendations: "The Wabi-Sabi House: The Japanese Art of Imperfect Beauty" by Robyn Griggs Lawrence or "Wabi Sabi" by Beth Kimpton Some of our favourite Wabi Sabi inspired pieces below: From top left: Hand carved wooden tray, from £25 Hero pots made from black clay, from £20 Frosted candleholders, from £13 Oslo Bowls, from £37 Bamboo Salad Bowl, £35