Why a calm interior is the most inspiring to style

I've been doing some client work on a really colourful office space these past few weeks. It's the most fun project I've ever been involved with, but also pretty draining in terms of the focus on vibrant colours - like I'm actually all coloured out. Planning for a really 'out there' atmosphere has meant that every time I work on it, I'm so in the 'vibrant' zone, that I end up knackering myself out. How is this possible? Ha.

It got me thinking. Calming interiors are really inspiring to style. It's like they aren't as needy as coloured spaces. You can throw any amount of soothing colours at a white wall, and it's so versatile that it just works, giving you the added freedom to change things when you want something different. 

It's Graham & Brown's very first National Wallpaper week this week (5th - 11th October) and throughout these 7 days they've been focusing on the 7 feelings of wallpaper. You know, the feelings great decoration evokes when you walk in to a room. Wallpapers have spellbinding power to rooms and transform not only the look, but the whole atmosphere too.

Yesterday looked at romantic rooms. Today, it's all about calm, relaxing looks. 

I thought I'd take this as an opportunity to do something different, away from the colour blocking needs of the office I'm helping design, and pull together a mood board reflecting calmness and serenity. 

*breathes a relaxing sigh*

Whites, greys, herringbone flooring, mixed with the odd geometric print and a splash of nature - I love you.

Graham + Brown have some swoon worthy calming wallpapers too, my fave of which is the Verdant Grey pattern that subtly brings the outdoors in. 

There are lots of fun events happening all across the country for National Wallpaper Week, including a quick masterclass in wallpapering at various B&Q branches. If there's one in Brighton, I'm signing up to learn some tips and tricks.

What do you think of calm interiors? Are you more of a vibrant, colour person?

Fiona xoxo

If your home decoration plans are lacking something, turn to nature

I'm a proud brand ambassador for Graham + Brown   which means that every month  I introduce you to Graham & Brown's home trends  offering ideas to help style your home with their range of wallpapers and home accessories.  They have spectacular ranges, all fantastic quality too - and their wallpapers are a breeze to work with.
Read about their vintage floral  Northern Rose trend, candy colour Popsicle trend,  their Precious trend and  their fun 60s Eureka trend.
This month we're looking at Horizon.  
A trend that sees tranquil colours and luxury textures introduced  inside the home. Horizon is all about  focal points in a room bringing the outdoors in and  it's  influenced by nature all around us - from lapping oceans and seaside themed interiors, to cosy wood and wicker rooms inspired by fields and forests.
Nature has a huge part to play in interior design, and if at times you're looking at a room (maybe in your own house or a clients)  feeling like something isn't quite sitting right, it's usually that there isn't enough nature inside it. Think about plants, silks, woods, wicker and texture when you're decorating and don't be afraid to add elements of outdoor detail. 

I try to introduce elements of colour and design from country walks Neil and I regularly go on. In our living room we have lots of wicker baskets and a bare brick fireplace we are soon to install a wood burner inside. Whilst in my bedroom, since it's been in the middle of a redecoration phase (see the before and after shots here) it's lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. So I've introduced these beautiful silk-like Meadow cushions to temporarily give the room more colour and life.  

They have a really beautiful piping detail of purple around the edges, and the watercolour splashes of purple and yellow remind me of evening light and country drives. 

If you're less of a country bumpkin and more of a city girl, Graham + Brown have some really iconic wall art that would suit more modern looks. From urban landscapes made from water colour to cute framed pug pictures (I love these), there's lots of ways you can bring nature in to a home if you aren't brave enough to go all out with nature inspired wallpaper. But of course, if you're on the market for a statement wall, you've got to check out the new Honolulu Palm Green print that is so on trend at the mo. 

It's National Wallpaper Week from the 5th-11th October so stay tuned for more G+B love really soon. 

Follow the fun on twitter: @NWallpaperWeek

And facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalWallpaperWeek

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