Nautical simplicity

This month's style tip focusses on bringing an ocean breeze into your home. Try shades of soothing blues and natural hessians to give a cool yet cozy feel to your room.

Baker lifestyle - Beachcomber collection

Sanderson - 'Netherfield stripe'

Create a combination of quirky nautical patterns, like seashells in the Baker Lifestyle Beachcomber collection, and elegant stripes, such as Sanderson's 'Netherfield stripe' to bring a fun yet sophisticated atmosphere to your room. Use distressed white or wicker furniture to create that summer day vibe. Commit to the full look with some blue and white patterned tiles - perfect for adding a handmade feel. (All of the above fabric is available from Sasha Interiors, Hereford.)

or...

Personalise it!


Add a rustic touch by creating features out of shells collected from your holidays and twigs in tall elegant jars, or even small pieces of driftwood. Continue the theme onto the floor by having hessian rugs or neutral coloured honeycomb carpets.

Experiment with:

• Dashes of red, lifting and adding energy to the room
• Natural rope - to peg photos and reminders to

One scoop or two?

This month's style tip focusses on an array of ice cream pastels with an added kick. Go for powder blues and pinks with dashes of cream and lemon yellow to welcome in a touch of uplifting sunshine.

Harlequin Identity - 'Lampshades'

Harlequin Identity - 'Eternal'

Why not try a statement patterned wall like the above designs by Harlequin? Go for a powerful punch of the magenta 'Eternal' with white or cream furniture to give it a sense of calm, or go for the more subtle bubblegum 'Lampshades' to create a contemporary, quirky room, and echo the bold shapes in your furniture choices. Try the full gelato look with ice cream striped throws or furniture. (All of the above wallpaper is available from Sasha Interiors, Hereford)

or...

Personalise it!

Paint radiators and boring wardrobes in cute pastel shades to add a handmade contrasting look to your walls. Simple rugs will bring life and comfort to white floorboards, and why not get some extra detail in by adding pleated lampshades and waffle cone ruffles to your accessories, creating a tactile environment good enough to eat!

Experiment with:

• Touches of black - giving an edge to this sweet style
• Wooden ornaments to bring the contemporary feel down to earth

The natural world

This month's style tip is all about the familiarity and security of the natural world. Bring the outside in with calming birds, flowers and clouds. Think elegant, simple and fresh.

Sanderson - 'Swallows'

Harlequin - 'Arkona'

Add a breath of fresh air to your room with serene greens and blues. Why not try some floor length curtains like the above in Sanderson's 'Swallows' to add a touch of elegance. Or go for a statement piece of furniture like the above chair in Harlequin's 'Arkona.' The simple curved lines of this chair give a soft and flowing vibe to the room. (All of the above fabric is available from Sasha Interiors, Hereford.)

or...

Personalise it!

Why not add piping to the edges of cushions or furniture to make those curved lines sleek and sophisticated? Add scented candles and flowers to give a serene atmosphere. Or, to really make the most of this style tip, try some accessories, such as footstools and cushions in coordinating fabrics to push the comfort of your room to the maximum.

Experiment with:

• Silver and mirrored surfaces - adding a sparkle and touch of glamour to the natural world
• Rugs - giving a luxurious edge to your sanctuary

Go Retro

This month's style tip is all about a 1950's revival with oversized seed heads, alliums and dandelion clocks becoming a focal point. Think bold, clean and simple.

Dandelion Clocks - Sanderson

Tree Poppy - Sanderson

Create a fresh start for 2011 by adding some colour to your home with bold blues and greens, and vivid reds. Why not try lifting your existing sofa with some scatter cushions; Tree Poppy (above) is the perfect breath of fresh air with its oversized flower heads. Or be brave and go for a statement wall of the classic Dandelion clocks. (All of the above fabric is available from Sasha Interiors, Hereford.)

or...

Personalise it!

Add some simple glass vases or lamps with smooth curves to add elegance. To really get the 1950's atmosphere how about trying some wooden Scandinavian furniture with slender lines and sleek edges. To add a softer touch to all of those clean lines, treat yourself to some fresh flowers; alliums of course!

Experiment with:

• Aubergine and bottle green - for a moody glow
• Piping - to continue the smooth lines and coordinate your colour scheme

Woodland Tranquility

This month's style tip is about embracing the winter months and adding a calm and cosy atmosphere to your home. It's also a great way to incorporate Christmas into your rooms with subtlety...

Bakari - Harlequin

Bakari - Harlequin



Why not swap your summer floral curtains for a pair of heavy floor grazing winter curtains with a forest tree or mushroom print like the fabric above from Harlequin? (All of the above fabric is available from Sasha Interiors, Hereford)

or...

Pearsonalise it!

To keep up with this trend on a budget try some woodland scatter cushions or a throw to curl up with on cold nights. To really get the most of this style add some rustic wooden ornaments or furniture (this style works beautifully in a timber framed room!) and bring it up to date with a Stag canvas print. Keep the sophistication of your room by using neutral colours, cool blues and soft browns. Bring your home to life with an open fire and you're ready for the winter months.

Experiment with:

• Christmas decorations in December to add a touch of glamour - baubles suspended from the ceiling will add a modern twist whilst wreaths, greenery and berries will create a traditional homely feel but both are equally as stylish this month
• Touches of gold to lift the room - through beaded trims or candles

Hint of Geometry

This month's style tip is all about geometry. Bold linear shapes can give your home a contemporary twist and give a great alternative to the classic stripes and checks.

Lalika Harlequin

Arkona Harlequin



Create a feature with a striking geometric wallpaper or an impressive floor length set of patterned curtains.

or...

Personalise it!

Keep your room's simplicity and add gemoetric accents such as the above cushion made with Arkona fabric from Harlequin. (All of the above fabric is available from Sasha Interiors.) As an alternative and an elegant way of introducing geometrics, how about combining these striking designs with a touch of floral delicacy? This could also be a great compromise for you and your partner! A subtle colour palette will ensure the room doesn't become overpowering.

Experiment with:

• A monochrome scheme - for a classic, easy to coordinate room
• Trims - to soften the harsh lines