Turn your dead space into a happy space

If you missed how I transformed this dead space into a vibrant happy corner, then head over to IGTV to see how I did it. We all have corners in our homes that are looking a bit bare or unhappy and here are my top tips to inject some life into them. You can also apply these tips to when you’re designing a whole room.

1.    As a starting point think about how you want to feel in that particular space. How do you want to feel emotionally? Happy, energised, moody, calm etc I find this always helps me select colours, materials and accessories. 

2.    Then think about how you wish to use the space. Is it a place you want to unwind, work, have a cocktail or hang out with your family? This should help you select the type of furniture, accessories and lighting you need. Do you need mood lighting or task lighting?

3.    Look at the whole aesthetics of the room and make sure it compliments and ties in with the rest of the room. Can you repeat a certain material that has been used in another part of the room or another area of the house? Do you need to introduce softer and more tactile pieces of furniture and accessories?

4.     Layering is key to get a finished look. Always use a rug under a table, chair, sofa etc Side tables are great for housing layers of books and candles, as well as being functional for drinks. Having books on display is a gentle reminder to sit and take some time out so I always use these when I’m styling. Add a throw or sheepskin to chairs or sofas for extra cosiness. 

5.    Plants are my favourite accessory and instantly breathes life into any space plus they are also good for purifying the air. Always use a variety of plants in different textures and heights. I like to house mine in different pots and baskets for a more eclectic look.

6.    Lighting is also something that is very important and will help lift a tired corner. Again, think about varying the heights and position. Ask yourself, do you need task lighting or mood lighting?

To get the full download check out the video on my IGTV here.

Shop the look

GARDEN TOUR

As promised here is the follow up blog to our Instagram Live garden tour last week. A big thank you to those of you that were able to join us. If you missed the tour head over to my IGTV to check it out now.

I was joined by our Garden Designer Shelley Hugh-Jones who shared her wealth of knowledge and answered all your burning questions. Shelley has kindly written a blog post below sharing some of her insider tips, explaining why it's important to get a garden designer, plus the plant list with all those tricky plant names. 

Photo Credit - House Curious

Why use a garden designer?

An experienced garden designer will have the creativity and perspective to assess the existing garden and come up with fresh ideas, identifying solutions that run in line with the available budget.

They can help with everything from planning the entire garden,  from solving privacy problems, to selecting the most suitable plants for beds and borders, and in doing so avoiding potential costly mistakes. Their expertise in planning an outdoor space will also maximize the potential of your garden and add value to your property.

As well as plant knowledge, a garden designer also should have specialist knowledge, regarding local guidelines and building regulations regarding driveways, fence heights, tree protection orders, conservation areas, levels and slopes, hard landscaping etc.

They can take responsibility for all the design work, specifications and appointment of contractors, as well as act on your behalf in any discussions regarding the actual build.

Photo Credit - Shelley Hugh-Jones

When to get garden designer involved:

Do this as early as possible.  If you are working with an architect or builder, a collaborative approach is key. Decisions regarding the space planning are made together so that both inside and outside are unified.

Practical issues such as where the outdoor tap will be situated, gas if running a gas pipe rather than using bottled gas, lighting cables and light fittings on the house wall all effect the position of feeds from inside the house etc. The electrician also needs to leave enough capacity on the system for enough circuits, two at least, for the garden. Feeds for outdoor speakers also need to be installed early on.

Conduits under patios etc need to be left for electrical cables and irrigation feeds.

Photo credit - House Curious

Briefing a garden designer

• Give them as much info as possible regarding your likes and dislikes.

• Show them around your downstairs space or show plans of how things will look inside. Discuss interior colours, flooring, work surfaces etc.

• Introduce them to your builder/architect/etc. as early as possible.

Considerations when planning a garden

• How you want to use the garden, dining, cooking, relaxed seating, play areas- trampoline, climbing frames, football area, etc real grass/ artificial?

• Privacy issues.

• Likes and dislikes in terms of materials and plants if you have them.

• The direction the garden faces, soil type, whether you are in a conservation area as there are planning rules within these areas.

• Budget

• Draw up a list of requirements and how you want to use your garden.

• First of all use your existing internal décor style/colours etc as a starting point, (specifically of the room that adjoins the garden) in order to create a good flow from inside to out, these two spaces should work together. Look at the flooring material or colour and repeat this outside, kitchen surfaces, chrome or brass hardware etc. All this can be reflected in the garden.

• The façade of the house also is very important, type of brick, render, colour etc and the position of doors onto the garden.

• Divide up the space to make the garden appear larger even if it is a small garden this can be done to a lesser extent. Use planting or other focal points along the garden length so that your eyes track from side to side rather than just focusing on the back border.

• Lay paving widthways to make it appear wider and lengthways to appear longer.

• Evergreen structure in a garden is key and the first thing to be considered.

• Planting can divide up the space, add structure, act as focal points, provide privacy, add colour, texture and form plus year round interest.

• Very important to use plants that will thrive in the conditions specific to your garden, sunny, shady, soil quality, clay, sandy etc.

• Consider the eventual height and spread as the plants mature also important to consider and how the garden will look in years to come.

• Speak to your neighbours before the work starts as boundary issues especially in London often rear their head.

Photo Credit - House Curious

sold out

LANTERN, LARGE (3 COLOURS)

Sale Price:£17.00 Original Price:£28.00

How I work with clients:

After an initial visit and discussion of the brief I draw up an initial proposal and outline of ideas plus design costs and details of how the design process works.

I create a Pinterest board for the project to which all parties can contribute. It’s a good way of exchanging ideas and getting inspiration.

The garden is surveyed.

I draw up to scale 2-3 ideas for the layout and an outline of the planting and after discussion with the client a lead design is chosen and a detailed building specification is prepared. Landscapers can then quote on the same design and specification making all the quotes comparable. .

Regular site meetings with the landscaper and client while the build is in progress take place which allows for discussion regarding and any decisions or changes that have to be made that all are in agreement with.

The planting plan and plant lists are discussed with the client and ordered ready for planting at the end of the construction period.

Photo Credit - Shelley Hugh-Jones

THE PLANT LIST

BULBS

Allium 'Mont Blanc'

CLIMBERS

Trachelospermum jasminoides

FERNS

Asplenium scolopendrium

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Polystichum polyblepharum

Polystichum setiferum Divisilobum Group 'Herrenhausen'

Dicksonia antartica

GRASSES

Hakonechloa macra  (down lhs and down to the basement)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’

HEDGING

Prunus lusitanica 1.50-1.75m

Euonymus japonicus 

HERBS

Allium schoenoprasum

Rosmarinus officinalis

Thymus 'Doone Valley'

Thymus x citriodorus

Mentha

PERENNIALS

Pachysandra terminalis

ROSES

Rosa ‘Generous Gardener’ -climber

Rosa ‘Spirit of Freedom’ -shrub rose

SHRUBS

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’ (Annabelle Strong)

Ilex crenata Single

Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'

Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'

Viburnum tinus

TREES

Multi-stemmed Amelanchier lamarkii (in front of pergola)

Standard Viburnum lucidum (behind pergola)

Standard Catalpa bignonoides ‘Nana’ (rhs and lhs)

We hope you found that interesting and useful. Please do take the time to comment below with any feedback or questions.

MY TOP 5 BEAUTY ESSENTIALS TO PACK THIS SUMMER

My Summer holiday has finally arrived and as the kids finish school, I find myself running around trying to shop for last minute bits, pack for the whole family and hope I haven't forgotten anything. I'm not a fan of packing but I am a fan of keeping my skin hydrated in this hot weather.

Whether you're travelling abroad or staying put in the UK. I thought I would share with you my top 5 beauty essentials. I find these are all great to throw in a travel bag or beach bag and will help keep you cool, refreshed and looking gorgeous this summer. 

Shimmer Dry Oil

1.     Shimmer Dry Oil

Meraki moisturising body oil with shimmer effect gives your body a beautiful summer glow. The oil nourishes and softens your skin while the shimmer effect reflects the light giving your skin a beautiful golden glow. The oil contains i.a. vitamin E and organic sunflower oil that hydrate your skin leaving it soft and glowing. Apply a thin layer to your legs, arms, shoulders and décolleté to give your skin an instant glow.

Grown Alchemist Amenity Kit

2. Grown Alchemist Amenity Kit

Grown Alchemist's 'Amenity Kit' includes three everyday beauty essentials. Perfect size for traveling and a great way to get acquainted with Grown Alchemist. The kit contains a moisturizing cream, hydrating lip balm and soothing hand cream, each one rich in antioxidants and botanical extracts to protect and nourish your skin.

Meraki Pop-up Cloths

3. Meraki Pop-up Cloths

These clever disposable pop-up cloths are perfect for everyday use. Compressed to the size of a coin they are perfect to take with you when you’re on the go or for traveling. The cloths come in a convenient box that fits perfectly into a bag. The box contains 60 pieces.

How to use: Simply add water and watch it unfold into a soft washcloth. A perfect travel companion.

Grown Alchemist - Body Treatment Oil

4. Grown Alchemist Body Treatment Oil – Ylang, Tamanu & Omega 7 100ml

A highly absorbent Body Oil formulated with a sensuous and potent blend of botanical active ingredients that soften and smooth while increasing skin elasticity and hydration, noticeably improving skin texture and appearance. And at 100ml this is just the right size to go in your carry-on bag. Top tip - Keep in the fridge during the summer, for that extra cooling factor when you apply it to your skin.

Himalayan Salt Hydrating Mask

5. Himalayan Salt Hydrating Mask Sachets (3x10g)

An intensely hydrating clay face mask, developed for sensitive and dry skin. This water-activated clay mask hydrates and protects your skin using powdered Althaea root, drawing out dead skin and bacteria. Gentle French Red Clay cleanses the skin and promotes blood circulation, facilitating healing to skin conditions. These sachets are the perfect size to take away with you.

Happy travels, Sommer x