Monthly Archives: November 2011

Our guide to buying a new mattress

On November 29th, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.

Ok, so what’s the score with mattresses? I am trying to convince my husband that we need a new bed and therefore a new mattress ;0) I can understand his hesitation as they are not cheap, but, they are definitely worth the investment. We bought ours from John Lewis a year ago and I’m sad to say we are disappointed with the quality, we can feel the springs when we lie down and it has two big dips on either side, we have been turning it every now and then, as advised by the company, but surely this shouldn’t happen? It came with a guarantee and so I think we are going to return it. I have provided the following information in the hope that you don’ t experience the same problems as us.

In the first instance, you need to find out what works for you as an individual. Do you prefer hard or soft mattresses? Do you suffer from backache or any other ailments? The first place I suggest you visit is The Sleep Council, a fantastic website covering absolutely everything to do with sleep, including, ‘How to get the best night’s sleep’ and ‘Shopping for a new bed’, I have included their video below which should offer some helpful tips & advice.

Another useful site is ‘Which‘, an online resource for consumers, covering pretty much every topic you can imagine. The link above will take you to an article they have on ‘Choosing the right mattress’, there is a small charge to access this information but they only charge £1 to trial the service. Also, take a look at Mattress Info as they have a really informative buying guide.

Other places to look when buying is Dreams, they have a really wide selection to choose from covering all price ranges, visit their website to view all beds and mattresses and mattresses.

There is one mattress that I slept on for a few weeks (at my sisters house) and wow, to this day, I have never slept on a more comfortable bed, it was some of the best nights sleep I have ever had. And no, I am not being paid to say this. It was a Vi-Spring mattress and this is something that I would definitely save for…

I hope this has been useful! x

Posted under Bedrooms

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Pretty Christmas wreaths

On November 25th, 2011 by Meghan Plowman.

Wreaths are definitely one of my favourite Christmas decorations, the perfect way to dress up a spare wall space or hang on your front door to mark the festive season. Why not try your hand at a DIY wreath this year, and forget the foliage! Check out these original and beautiful ideas from Papier Damour and Paper Couture.

Posted under Christmas, Home accessories, Vintage

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Bold & Graphic trend shoot

On November 23rd, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.

This is our latest shoot that is now on Channel 4 Homes. Unless you have been away for all of 2011 then you must have noticed the ongoing trend for all things bright and graphic. It’s a certainly a striking scheme and not for the faint hearted. To recreate the look, use a graphic image for your background and pick out one of the colours for your bright piece of furniture.

It must be my editorial background as I always like to see my images layed out as a spread! I’ve included the larger versions below. I hope you like it ;0)

Credits
Wallpaper styled and designed by Kirath Ghundoo, wallpaper Arne Jacobsen inspired Egg Chair, £335, Interior Icons, Sanderson Dandelion cushion, £30, John Lewis, Studio Arc floor lamp, £169, Click 4 Interiors, Glass table (part of a set of 3), £399, Dwell, Coloured wine glasses, £29 for 4, Found Home Store, Hula glasses, £16 for 4, LSA-International.com, Striped Cuckoo Clock, £195, Pantone chairs, both Found Home Store, White glass vase, House of Fraser. Red Anglepoise lamp, £150, John Lewis.

Styling Pippa Jameson, Photography, Jemma Watts, Background boards supplied by Set surfaces

Posted under Design post, Featured, Furniture, Trend Stories

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PJI wins Crown paints award & Channel 4 Homes

On November 22nd, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.

As ever, it has been a busy few months for PJI. I guess the biggest news is that I won an award; ‘Crown Paints Stylist Blogger of the Year 2011′! Sadly, I was unable to attend the awards ceremony, as I had a little knock in my car but I received this beautiful framed certificate (below), thank you Crown Paints!

Other news, we have started our work with the launch of Luce by Hotpoint. I am now their style expert, offering professional content including ‘choosing the right kitchen for your lifestyle’ (now live) and ‘Choosing the right floor for your kitchen’, we have many more subjects that will run over the next 6 months. We are also working towards the official launch (January 2012), where we will be unveiling the gorgeous new range.

Our Bright & Graphic shoot will be appearing on Channel 4 Homes in the next few weeks. I’ll be posting it as a feature on the site but here is a sneak preview (below). It’s always a pleasure shooting with Jemma Watts, when you find a photographer that shares the same eye, you can really push the creative.

Posted under My Styling Diary

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Original needlecraft books from the 1950's

On November 22nd, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.

Hello everyone, I’m afraid it’s been a while since my last post as I have been out of the office for a while, but I’m back and now and have some fantastic posts coming up.

I was in the middle of sorting through some bits at home and whilst doing so, I came across these original needlecraft books from the 1950′s; there seems to be a vintage theme on my blog at the moment! They belonged to my grandmother, who was crazy about needlecraft, and I think they’re fantastic. The front cover of the first image is especially interesting as 50′s interiors are so fashionable, people are paying a lot of money to buy original pieces like this; especially the sideboard. The 1950′s paint swatch card is from Erwinhouse, I thought it would be interesting to see all the colours together. Most of them are a bit heavy for my taste but I am a fan of the Chelsea gray, I could see this one amongst the Farrow & Ball colours.

Posted under Craft ideas, Interior Styling, Trend Stories, Uncategorized, Vintage

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1940's chic

On November 18th, 2011 by Pippa Jameson.

Below is great little compilation of fashion shots inspired by the 1940′s. The page was created by Glitter Guide, who also write about fashion, beauty, shopping, lifestyle & trends – what a great site! A lot of these designs can also be seen in the home, printed on chinaware & soft furnishings.

Posted under Trend Stories

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Equestrian Style

On November 7th, 2011 by Meghan Plowman.

Anyone up for spending a day at the races? It’s all racing carnival fever at the moment in my corner of the world, with bold colour adorning the track and fillies alike. Here is my mini moodboard of equestrian styled pieces to get you in the mood…

Clockwise from top left: Dress, rug, horse lamp, bench seat, Warwick fabric, Ralph Lauren bookends.

Posted under Design post, Home accessories, Livingroom, Trend Stories

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Hotel Review - La Maison Pujol

On November 3rd, 2011 by Carrie Graham-Clarke.

Nestled in the South of France between the Canal du Midi and Minervois vineyards, you will find boutique hotel gem, La Maison Pujol. Housing just four guest-rooms the petite yet perfectly formed B&B is built in the heart of a restored old provinicial winery with a modern twist.

La Maison Pujol offers a rustic ambience merged seamlessly with contemporary, cool design to a very high standard. All of the renovations and transformations were completed by owner and architect/designer Philippe Phi. It’s very clear that during the restoration it was of paramount importance to create an environment that both embraced the history and original features of the old winery with new modern design. Every detail has been carefully thought through so that the opposing ideals sit happily alongside each other and the end result is effortlessly chic. One of the clearest ways of seeing this is through the use of texture – a representation of both the history and future of the hotel. It’s original, uneven pebbled flooring, animal hides and wood – vs – modern smoothed concrete, industrial metal and pure white walls.

The four guest-rooms are flooded with light and kept simple with minimal furniture, striking artwork and vintage accessories. Whilst Philippe Phi was designing La Maison Pujol he was largely inspired by 1960s-1980s design which can be seen in the choice of vintage furniture from Van der Rohe, Eames and Jacobsen. Much of the other bric-a-brac and decorative wooden antiques are from Africa, adding a needed sense of warmth. There is also a strong theme of graphic typography as vintage industrial lettering is scattered throughout the interior and exterior of the property. The colour palette is also very neutral with the occasional splash of bright earthy oranges and reds.

Prices start from 80€ per night on low seasons, please check La Maison Pujol website for further details.